Teaching Central America Week in Rhode Island: 2022-2025
Providence
Ariana Wohl at The UCAP School introduced all eight of her middle school student sections to the multilingual Pensamiento Serpentinoby Luis Valdez. Wohl learned about the poem during the Indigenous Central America workshop that was part of the October 1 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Curriculum Teach-In. Students repeatedly read the poem in a variety of ways — line by line, chorally, separately by language, alternating language, etc. and discussed its meaning and application to their lives. Students also identified the countries (including the United States!) where Mayan peoples live today. Some of the students had previously studied the ancient Maya, but none knew much about contemporary Mayans. The poem served as an important opener. [2022]
Rainbow Weaver at Webster Avenue ES
Each morning at Webster Avenue ES, ESL/Bilingual teacher Lindsay Paiva explored the life of a different Central American figure with students by watching videos and looking at pictures. Paiva also read Rainbow Weaver and led a discussion about weaving. Paiva teaches mostly Indigenous Guatemalan students with Mayan roots, and students brought in weaving from home to share with the class. Students also completed the the paper doll activity included in the teacher's guide from Lee & Low. [2022]