When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (2020)

Lesson 26
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 9

7th Grade

Lesson 26 of 29

Objective


Juxtapose Mami and Negi's understanding of the American Dream.

Debate whether the American Dream is attainable for all immigrants.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir by Esmeralda Santiago  pp. 245 – 254

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Juxtapose Mami and Negi’s idea of the American Dream on pages 246-247.  Provide at least two pieces of evidence to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • 246 - According to Mama, what is the difference between a profession and a job?  What are her hopes for her children? 
  • Debate: Mama says, “Anyone willing to work hard can get ahead.” This is the American dream.  Do you agree with this statement?  Why or why not? Use evidence from this text or previous books you have read in Middle School to support your answer.

Notes


This lesson addresses one of the unit's Essential Questions.

Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.6 — Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
  • SL.7.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Next

Compare and contrast how two authors present the idea of the American Dream in their texts.

Lesson 27
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free