Reading, Writing, and Reflection: A Cisneros Short Story Workshop

 Objective: Introduce students to Sandra Cisneros and her unique storytelling style.
Activities:
Brief introduction to Sandra Cisneros and the context of "Eleven".
Read "Eleven" together, focusing on tone, imagery, and figurative language.
Identify examples of metaphors and similes (e.g., "like little wooden dolls that are all stacked inside each other").
Discussion Questions:
How does Cisneros capture the emotions of being eleven?
What does the red sweater symbolize? 

 Objective: Analyze the deeper meanings in "Eleven" and reflect on its themes.
Activities:
Group discussion on themes of identity, age, and emotions.
Analyze the use of repetition and how it contributes to the narrator’s voice.
Written Response Prompts:
Describe a time when you felt like you were "younger than you are" in a difficult moment.
How does the story’s figurative language enhance its emotional impact? 

 Objective: Uncover the powerful imagery and figurative language in "Salvador Late or Early".
Activities:
Brief introduction to the story’s structure and poetic style.
Read "Salvador Late or Early" aloud and annotate the text, focusing on descriptions like "a string of beads" and "the architecture of a dream."
Discussion Questions:
How does Cisneros’ use of short, fragmented sentences create a vivid image of Salvador?
What do we learn about Salvador’s life through these images? 

 Objective: Explore themes of poverty, resilience, and invisibility.
Activities:
Group discussion: How does Cisneros make us feel empathy for Salvador? What larger social issues does this story address?
Written Response Prompts:
Write a character sketch of Salvador, focusing on how Cisneros’ descriptions help you imagine his life.
Reflect on how small details in the story create a larger message about Salvador’s world.
Final assignment options available.