We will accomplish this cultural plunge in November in Ft. My classes will read the most famous of all novels ever written in Spanish, Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes, and then they will see it acted out on stage by the National Theater of the Performing Arts of CT., which does the bilingual scenes in both English and Spanish. It will also give the students an insight into the life, dress, and customs of 16 th century Spain. On this day we will also eat at an authentic Mexican restaurant which the students, themselves, will pay for, thus enabling us to get a taste of two of the most important of the 20 Spanish-speaking nationals, Spain and Mexico. This is particularly important since now one out of every ten Americans is a native born Hispanic and by 2020 the U.S. will have more Hispanics than African Americans.
Functional communication is the essence of understanding and using a foreign language.
The students have already read the literary work, discussed it, and now they will listen to it as well. To be complex thinkers who are capable of applying concepts of a common core of fundamental knowledge which includes science, social studies, creative arts , life management skills, health and physical fitness to everyday life and the changing world. Seeing this play performed would fit under Creative Arts. To be collaborative workers who can demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and be respectful of others , and exhibit a positive self-worth. Also, respect is a theme brought out in play.