Spanish Book Study: "La Ultima Cuentista"

Join us for an exciting literary journey as we delve into the world of "La Ultima Cuentista" en español! In this engaging class designed for 12-14 year-olds, we will explore the captivating story of this beloved book in Spanish.

Course Details:

Book: "La Ultima Cuentista"
Age Group: 12-14 year-olds
Language: Spanish
Proficiency Level: Learners should have proficiency in the Spanish language.
What to Expect:
In this ten-week course, we will meet twice a week to discuss the book "La Ultima Cuentista" entirely in Spanish. Get ready for lively discussions, character analysis, and the chance to explore the themes and emotions of this compelling story in the language you love.

Why Take This Class:

Language Immersion: Improve your Spanish skills by immersing yourself in meaningful discussions.
Literary Exploration: Discover the power of literature and connect with the characters and storyline on a deeper level.
Cultural Insights: Gain insights into the Hispanic culture and the world of Spanish-language literature.
Prerequisites:
To fully participate and benefit from this class, learners should already possess proficiency in the Spanish language.

Book Study Description: 

An ongoing, engaging book study of TIME’s best book of the year for 2021; “La Cuentista,” written by Newbery and Pura Belpre Award Winner Donna Barba Higuera. The purpose of this Book Study is to enhance English speaking students’ Spanish language skills, increase their Spanish reading and understanding skills and explore a novel that combines the best elements of science fiction and fantasy in a creative exploration of the timeless themes of mythmaking and tradition in shaping our lives and the power of folklore, identity, and one’s own cultural heritage to impact the future. This novel ultimately teaches us the virtue and utility of the ancestral wisdom that is carried in tradition through the voices of our grandparents, and the elderly in society, in a highly self-centered, individualistic throwaway society where older people are often easily belittled and discarded for their lack of utility to the world. In a world where different “other” minority perspectives are often downplayed, disparaged, or slighted this book teaches us the importance of owning and embracing our own cultural heritage, identity, and traditions in spite of the challenges that may pose. Petra, the book’s protagonist, shows us how important a different cultural perspective can be for our own collective future as a society.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore "La Ultima Cuentista" en español and embark on a literary adventure like no other! Reserve your spot today!


Book Study Course Outline:


Book Study Course Outline:

Wk of 1/7 - Ch. 1-2	Basic introductions, quick overview of the book, explanation of 
                                        course objectives and expectations. + “Warm Up”	TBD 

Wk of 1/14 - Ch.3-5	Review of Chapters 1-2: Petra’s life before she leaves to another 
                                        planet ; Fun Activity #1: Group Discussion on Suspended Animation 
                                        + let’s pretend game. Weekly Chapter Discussion and review. 	TBD

Wk of 1/21 - Ch.6-8	Review of Chapters 3-5. Fun Activity #2: Life in Space. Group 
                                        Discussion about Petra’s life onboard the spaceship + “nostalgia” 
                                        game. Introduction to New Vocabulary. 	TBD

Wk of 1/28 - Ch.9-11	Review of Chapters 6-8. Group Discussion. Chapters 6-11 
                                        Vocabulary Review. Test 1 prep and general review	Vocabulary HW + 
                                        Class Discussion Prep + Test 1 Studying

Wk of 2/4 - Ch.12-14	Test 1 + Vocabulary Review (time permitting)	Vocabulary HW + 
                                        Class Discussion Prep

Wk of 2/11 - Ch.15-17	Review of Chapters 12-14. Group Discussion. Chapters 12-17 
                                        Vocabulary Review. 	Vocabulary HW + Class Discussion Prep

Wk of 2/18 - Ch.18-20	Review of Chapters 18-20. Group Discussion on reprogramming and 
                                        the narrative arch of the book. Fun Activity #3: Reprogramming 
                                        Game. Chapters 18-20 Vocabulary Review. Test 2 prep and general 
                                        review. 	Vocabulary HW + Class Discussion Prep + Test 2 Studying 

Wk of 2/25 - Ch.21-23	Test 2 + Vocabulary Review (time permitting)	Vocabulary HW + 
                                        Class Discussion Prep

Wk of 3/3 - Ch.24-26	Review of Chapters 21-23 & Final Book Review. Final Test Prep	 
                                        Final Test Studying 

Wk of 3/10 - Ch.27-30	Final Test + Wrap-up. 	No HW