When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (2020)

Lesson 5
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 9

7th Grade

Lesson 5 of 29

Objective


Identify and explain how the setting shapes Mami.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir by Esmeralda Santiago  pp. 34 – 44

Fishtank Plus

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

Target Task


Multiple Choice

In paragraphs 1 and 2 on page 37, what information does the setting mainly suggest about Mami?

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Which piece of evidence best supports the answer to Part A?

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Writing Prompt

In the chapter “Someone is Coming to Take Your Lap”, what information does the setting mainly reveal about Mami?

Key Questions


  • On page 39, what is the effect of repeating “what a jibara…what a jibara…what a jibara”? What does this reveal about the differences in Negi’s new setting? 
  • Juxtapose life in Macún and Santurce using the words “urban” and “rural.”
  • Is life “better” in Santurce? Explain by describing the different homes Santiago has lived in so far using evidence from the text. 
  • How does the new setting in Saturce affect Mami? Explain using details from the text. 
  • Why does Santiago discuss blood pudding with her mother?
  • Why does Santiago discuss sin with her father?

Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.3 — Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).

Next

Explain the literal meaning of a simile.

Analyze how the author uses similes to develop her character.

Lesson 6
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