Now that you have finished reading Esperanza Rising, you will be choosing a symbol from the book and turn it into a visual diorama. You will build a visual representation of the words.
A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning.
You will write 1-2 paragraphs analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
For example: In Plums, Esperanza feeds the twins too many plums. This upsets their stomachs and Esperanza must figure out how to solve this problem. She remembered what Hortencia used to do for her - rice water. This was a turning point for her; she solved a problem with no help. In the past she would have automatically asked for help and not even thought how she could solve it herself. She is becoming less a spoiled princess and more of a self-sufficient woman. Esperanza's life has changed dramatically; she has become more responsible.
The diorama will be a visual demonstration of the symbol. No words will be used.
Some symbols:
Roses, Crocheted blanket, trunk at the foot of Esperanza’s bed & its destruction, Piñata , different sides of the river , papa's belt buckle , p.39 the bear , not being able to hear the earth's heartbeat when she arrives in California , avocados, perfect rows of the grapes

Category
Quality of construction
Creativity
Symbolism in images
Spelling/grammar in paragraphs
4
Shows considerable attention to construction. The items are neatly trimmed. All items are carefully and securely attached to the box. There are no stray marks, smudges, or glue stains.
Nothing is hanging over the edges.
Several of the 3-D objects used reflect an exceptional degree of student creativity
3
Shows attention to construction.
Items are neatly trimmed & securely attached. A few barely noticeable stray marks, smudges, or glue stains are present. Nothing is hanging over the edges.
All images/models are effective
Sentences are properly constructed, without errors in grammar, punctuation, & spelling
2
Shows some attention to detail. Most items are neatly trimmed & attached.
Some stray marks, smudges, or glue stains are present.
Nothing is hanging over the edges.
1
Put together sloppily. Items appear to be just
"slapped on".
Pieces may be loose or hanging over the edges.
Smudges, stains, rips, uneven edges, and/or stray marks are evident.
One or two of the 3-D objects used reflect an exceptional degree of student creativity
One or two objects were made or customized by the student, but the ideas were typical rather than creative
Some images/ models are effective
All images/models are effective, but there are too few or too many
Sentences are properly constructed, with only 1-3 errors in grammar, punctuation, & spelling
Sentences are satisfactory, with 4-6 errors in grammar, punctuation,
& spelling
The student did not make or customize any of the items on the diorama
Too few images/models are used to be an effective presentation
Sentences are not well constructed, with
7+ errors in grammar, punctuation, & spelling