#1349. Chinese Multicultural Lesson

Reading/Writing, level: Elementary
Posted Wed Oct 13 18:42:23 PDT 1999 by Alanna Woodworth (alanna@usac.net).
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas

Title: I Hate English! by Ellen Levine
Purpose of Activity: As a result of this experience, the learner will appreciate listening to quality literature, learn about the Chinese culture, and participate in an oral activity.

TEKS:
3.2 Listening/speaking/culture. The student listens and speaks to gain knowledge of his/her own culture, the culture of others, and the common elements of cultures.
3.4 Listening/speaking/communication. The student communicates clearly by putting thoughts and feelings into spoken words.
3.4 (C) The student is expected to retell a spoken message by summarizing or clarifying.

Materials: Book I Hate English! by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Steve Bjorkman, blue Chinese style dress to be worn by the teacher, globe and/or world map, chop sticks, brown paper bag, brown rice, Chinese vegetables in a can, pre-made fortune strips, homemade "fortune" cookies- Chinese almond cakes
Prereading Activities: I will wear a Chinese dress and ask the students to guess what country I am from. When they guess correctly, I will show them China on a map and/or a globe. Next, I will hook into prior learning by reminding them of the science lesson they did using the Chinese wok. Then, I will show them the various items in the bag that relate to China and discuss them. I will set the purpose for reading by saying, "Let's read I Hate English! to find out what it is like to be a student in the United States from another country who speaks another language."

Reading: I will show the cover of the book and introduce the author and illustrator. I will read the book aloud to the students and encourage them to chime in at certain repetitive parts. I will ask questions while reading the story. I will welcome discussion and questions at the end of the story.

Postreading Activities: After reading the book, I will ask, "Have any of you ever been to a Chinese restaurant and had a fortune cookie?" Then I will tell them, "Today you are each going to get your own fortunes with some Chinese cookies I've made. When you get your fortune, read it and think about what it means. Then we will share our fortunes and their meanings." After doing this, I will close the lesson by asking the students about what they learned. I will ask them to tell the favorite part of the lesson to their neighbor. I will also tell them that a copy of the book will be in their classroom if they want to read it again.

Assessment: I will observe and take mental notes on 1) the enjoyment and understanding of the story, and 2) the interest and enthusiasm of the activity.