 Gabriela Mistral's childhood writings were inspired by the majestic Andes
Mountains and lush valleys which surrounded her small Chilean village.
Her tranquil life was shattered when her father deserted the family, and she found solace through her journal writing as she began to develop her gift for poetry and fables.
She hesitantly entered her poems in Chile's national writing contest, was awarded first prize, and went on to become the first Hispanic writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature (1945).
Throughout this engaging reenactment of Gabriela's life, children will participate
in some simple Spanish and become familiar with many aspects of South American
culture. Elements of poetry writing will also be included to reinforce how
poetry is taught in the classroom. Her story will encourage children to express
themselves through journal writing and to develop their own gifts and talents
to the fullest.
RELATED CURRICULUM SUGGESTIONS:
- Career Day
- Units on poetry writing
- Units on journal writing
- The writing of biographies
- Units on character education
- Units on multi-cultural awareness
- A tie-in to the study of South America
- The subjects of language arts and social studies
 SPECIAL CELEBRATION DATES:
- September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Awareness Month
- October - National Book Month
- October 19-25 - National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week
- October 31 - UNICEF Day (Gabriela was one of the founders)
- November 1 - National Author's Day
- November 3 - World Community Day
- November 15-21 - American Education Week
- March - Women's History Month
- April - National Poetry Month
- April 2 - International Children's Book Day
- April 12-18 - National Library Week
- May 5 - Cinco de Mayo Day
- May 11-17 - Children's Book Week
*For specific tie-ins to your state's curriculum and learning standards,
please call our office.
TESTIMONIALS:
CHICAGO:
"Students enjoyed learning some Spanish! Program was
creative and easy to understand. Children wanted to learn more and write their
own poems!"
-- First Grade Teacher, Wheatland School, Naperville
"I am extremely
proud of the poetry the students have written thus far. It is certainly a testimonial
to the impact the performance had on them!"
-- Seventh Grade Teacher, Budlong School, Chicago
BOSTON:
"This was an exceptionally well-done program. It was
age appropriate and captivating!"
-- First Grade Teacher, May Street School, Worcester
"Wonderful experience
for the students! I loved how it tied into the journal writing that so many
of our classes are doing."
-- Eighth Grade Teacher, Barrington Middle School, Barrington, RI
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL:
"Excellent! So often the children are exposed
to the same 'heroes' over and over. It is wonderful for us all to learn about
someone new - and a new language/culture
at the same time!"
-- Second Grade Teacher, Centennial School, Lino Lakes
"I liked the poetry
aspect. Great inspiration for writing poetry later in the classroom!"
-- Sixth Grade Teacher, Barton School, Minneapolis
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