I am an experienced teacher of Spanish to children in grades two, three, four, and five in a small university town in eastern Connecticut. (For additional background information about me, click on the lower button on the left.)
I began teaching my fifth graders about Chávez several years ago as year-end supplementary information related to the curricular topics of México and food. (Our fifth graders study immigration and emigration in the United States in their regular social studies classes.)
To introduce the topic, I pass a sheet of César Chávez stamps around the classroom. No student has yet been able to tell me anything about this American hero in this initial viewing of his name and picture! Every year I have to remind myself that they were not subject to the riveting media blitz of the charismatic Chávez and "La Causa" in the late 60's and early 70's as I was.
I begin with an in-class Spanish/English read-aloud of the marvelous book, Harvesting Hope / Cosechando esperanza by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Yuyi Morales, as the major focus to introduce my students to his energetic, event-filled life. Its moving narrative and artwork capture the students' interest immediately. Their eagerness to learn more about him is apparent as they look forward to the five to ten minute story segment in our twice a week Spanish class.
However, I found that worthwhile online information and resources relating to this great man that would be appropriate for young children were scattered in various places on the internet. So in this part of my "Anacleta" website I have gathered what I consider the "very best" materials for teaching children aged ten and under about César Estrada Chávez in an English, bilingual, or totally Spanish format.
I also offer suggestions for teaching with these materials as well. Lower and upper primary level instructors in Spanish, language arts, social studies, and character building will benefit from its contents. Read my original teaching ideas by "mousing over" any pictures like the one on the left which appearon each web page. I also welcome suggestions from visitors to add to my list of recommendations! Gracias de antemano. / Thank you in advance. Please e-mail me.
I strongly believe that all children need to learn about the life and works of César Estrada Chávez -- now more than ever -- whether they are from Spanish-speaking backgrounds or not. (Read "Hispanics Fear Youths Losing Sight of Chávez." ) As violence in many forms here and abroad escalates and the worldwide demand for year-round fresh produce by health-conscious consumers increases, Chávez's emphasis on non-violent tactics to better the lives of migrant farmworkers in the field and avoid their exploitation and manipulation is worth examining.
His life story of compassion and determination truly reflects his motto, "¡Sí, se puede! / Yes I can!", despite numerous threats to the contrary which lends itself to various celebrations, units, and academic activities during the school year -- Earth Day, famous biography book reports, Labor Day, first day of spring, Thanksgiving, gardening, Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), Earth Day, Peace Day, community service projects, plants and food production, nutrition, and, of course, celebration of his birthday on March 31st. I challenge teachers to incorporate his message of fairness and justice for all into the program of all elementary schools in the United States.
