Unit Overview
Content Area: Spanish
Unit Title: Pobre Ana (The mini-novel Poor Ana)
th
Target Course/Grade Level: 6 grade
Unit: 6
Timeline: 9-10 weeks
Unit Summary Through a novel-based approach, students will recognize and understand the cultural and
economic differences that exist between The United States and Mexico as well as experience new
vocabulary.
Primary interdisciplinary connections: English Language Arts and Social Studies
21st century themes and skills: Global Awareness, Communication and Collaboration
Unit Rationale
It is important for middle school children to identify the diversity between cultures and appreciate the
various characteristics applicable to both countries. The novel being utilized incorporates the building of
character education traits.
Learning Targets
Standards 7.1 World Languages All students will be able to use a world language in addition to English
to engage in meaningful conversation, to understand and interpret spoken and written language, and to
present information, concepts, and ideas, while also gaining an understanding of the perspectives of other
cultures. Through language study, they will make connections with other content areas, compare the
language and culture studied with their own, and participate in home and global communities.
Content Statements: Interpretive Mode
Linguistic:
The Novice-Mid language learner understands and communicates at the word level and can independently
identify and recognize memorized words and phrases that bring meaning to text.
Cultural:
Personal identity is developed through experiences that occur within one’s family, one’s community, and
the culture at large. (Topics that assist in the development of this understanding should include, but are not
limited to: self, friends, family, pets, physical/personality descriptions, school, likes/dislikes, and
pastimes.)
Observing and participating in culturally authentic activities contribute to familiarization with cultural
products and practices. (Topics and activities that assist in the development of this understanding should
include, but are not limited to: authentic celebrations, songs, and dances.)
Healthy eating habits and fitness practices may vary across cultures. (Topics that assist in the development
of this understanding should include, but are not limited to: foods, shopping, eating at home or in
restaurants, and wellness practices.)
Many products and practices related to home and community are shared across cultures; others are culturespecific. (Topics that assist in the development of this understanding should include, but are not limited to:
home life, places in the community, activities within the community, and travel.)
What is perceived as “basic needs” varies among and within cultures. (Topics that assist in the
development of this understanding should include, but are not limited to: safety, food, shelter, and
purchase and sale of goods such as toys, games, travel, and luxury items.)
Maps, graphs, and other graphic organizers facilitate understanding of information on a wide range of
topics related to the world and global issues. They make complex concepts more accessible to secondlanguage learners who have limited proficiency in the language. (Content areas that assist in the
development of this understanding should include, but are not limited to: history, economics, science, and
geography.)
Learning about age- and developmentally appropriate content that is of high interest to students and has a
direct connection to the cultural contexts of the target language cultivates an awareness of the shared
human experience. (Content that assists in the development of this understanding should include, but is not
limited to: all content areas and popular culture.)
Content Statements: Interpersonal Mode
Linguistic:
The Novice-Mid language learner understands and communicates at the word level and can
independently identify and recognize memorized words and phrases that bring meaning to text.
Cultural:
The Novice-Mid language learner understands and communicates at the word level and can use
memorized words and phrases independently to:
•Respond to learned questions.
•Ask memorized questions.
•State needs and preferences.
Content Statements: Presentational Mode
Linguistic:
The Novice-Mid language learner understands and communicates at the word level and can use
memorized words and phrases independently to:
•Make lists.
•State needs and preferences.
•Describe people, places, and things.
Cultural:
The Novice-Mid Cultural Content Statements remain the same for all the strands.
CPI #
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) for Interpretive Mode
7.1.NM.A.2
Demonstrate comprehension of simple, oral and written directions, commands, and
requests through appropriate physical response.
7.1.NM.A.3
Recognize a few common gestures and cultural practices associated with the target
culture(s).
7.1.NM.A.4
Identify familiar people, places, and objects based on simple oral and/or written
descriptions.
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) for Interpersonal Mode
Give and follow simple oral and written directions, commands, and requests when
participating in age-appropriate classroom and cultural activities.
CPI #
7.1.NM.B.2
7.1.NM.B.3
Imitate appropriate gestures and intonation of the target culture(s)/language during
greetings, leave-takings, and daily interactions.
7.1.NM.B.4
Ask and respond to simple questions, make requests, and express preferences using
memorized words and phrases.
7.1.NM.B.5
CPI #
7.1.NM.C.2
Exchange information using words, phrases, and short sentences practiced in class on
familiar topics or on topics studied in other content areas.
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) for Presentational Mode
Imitate, recite, and/or dramatize simple poetry, rhymes, songs, and skits.
7.1.NM.C.3
Copy/write words, phrases, or simple guided texts on familiar topics.
7.1.NM.C.5
Name and label tangible cultural products and imitate cultural practices from the target
culture(s).
Unit Essential Questions
 How do we define happiness?
 How can problems strengthen one’s character?
 What defines rich and poor?
Unit Enduring Understandings
 The United States is an industrial country.
 Mexico is a developing country.
 The currency used in Mexico is The Mexican
Peso.
 Many Mexican families do not own a new car.
 All families have problems.
 It is not uncommon for Mexican households to be
without hot water.
 The houses in Mexico are typically smaller in size
than the houses in The United States.
 Many public and private schools in Mexico require
uniforms.
Unit Learning Targets
Students will ...
 name the people in Ana’s family in both California and in Mexico.
 recognize –AR, -ER, and –IR verbs.
 compare US houses with Mexican houses.
 define new vocabulary associated with the novel.
 retell what Ana’s problems are.
 summarize important information from the novel in Spanish.
 explain Ana’s personal growth that occurred due to her trip to Mexico.
Evidence of Learning
Summative Assessment
Unit test on Pobre Ana or choose from a selection of unit projects
Equipment needed: Computer, Smartboard, FM System
Teacher Instructional Resources: PowerPoint presentations, Smartboard activities, Microsoft Word
Formative Assessments




Listening activities
Vocabulary quiz
Think, pair, share
Teacher observation
 Exit Slip
 Oral participation
 Class discussions
Integration of Technology: Smartboard, PowerPoint
Technology Resources:
Click the links below to access additional resources used to design this unit:
www.quia.com
Opportunities for Differentiation: Differentiation by Product. When answering orally in class, the
students will be supported by offering a one word answer, a phrase, or a complete sentence. In addition,
the students will have the choice of completing the unit test on the book or a unit project on the novel.
Teacher Notes: