Language Activities
A Day in Mexico
Use an almanac, an encyclopedia, and at least two other books to research
life in the country of Mexico. What is the climate like? What is the food
like? When do children begin school? How many years to most people attend
school? What is the typical Mexican family like? What is housing like? What
is shopping like? etc.
Based on this information, imagine yourself living in Mexico. In what ways
would your life be different? In what ways would it be the same? Write about
a typical day in your new life.
Remembering Victory
Today Mexican citizens living in both Mexico and the United States celebrate
Mexico's 1862 victory over the French on Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May.
This victory did not bring complete independence to Mexico, but it did prove
to the world that Mexico wanted the freedom to rule itself and that it would
fight courageously to obtain and preserve that freedom. It also revealed
that a few people committed to a cause could triumph over a larger,
better-equipped army of people less interested in the cause for which they
were fighting. Finally, it showed that a country which had been defeated
time and time again could, with perseverance at last emerge victorious.
On a smaller scale, we each face conflicts each day. Whether competing against
another team on the soccer field or struggling to understand a new rule in
math, we are challenged. Sometimes we win immediately. Other times, we must
try repeatedly before realizing victory.
Think back of the challenges you have faced in life--adjusting to life in
a new city, learning how to read and write, making new friends, learning
how to ride a bicycle without training wheel, earning money to buy something
you really want, and so forth. Make a list of at least ten "victories" you
can celebrate in your own life.