For my podcast I chose to do a vignette of the book The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. I chose this book to focus on for the podcast because its one that is crucial that high school students read, whether it is in Spanish or English class, since it teaches the typical stereotypes and racial profiling that Latinos deal with in the United States. Its also one that is filled with small vignettes, which made it easier to choose one and read it on the podcast.
The podcast is in Spanish and what I chose to do was read a Vignette entitled "A Rice Sandwich" and have students listen to me read it. Students are to then put themselves in the same situation as the main character in the book. They are to write their responses and record their own podcast as to what they would do the same or differently from the main character in her difficult situation in that chapter. I think that this is such a good activity for the students because it allows to see things from a different perspective. They can see what many latinos go through (their struggles, the stereotypes, etc) and learn that things are not always as they seem. It allows for them to integrate themselves more into the latino culture by allowing them to understand its citizens a bit more.
I think these podcasts are a great idea for language teachers such as yourself. Right now I have taken an interest in the Japanese language and have taken 3 years of it. Sadly, it is still difficult for me to speak it and at times decipher it. I have learned that by constantly listening to the language you are trying to learn, it is easier to grasp it. This will help your students learn the language.
ReplyDelete