House on Mango Street Lesson Plan

Fitting In

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

To understand Esperanza’s desires and motivations as a character

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 ; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2

Structure:

Esperanza repeats throughout the novel that she feels like she does not belong on Mango Street. In this class discussion, talk to your students about why it is important to belong. You can spark a dialogue by asking the following questions:

- Why does Esperanza feel like she does not belong on Mango Street?

- What characteristics do we know about Esperanza that make her stand out from other people in her neighborhood?

- What does it feel like when a...