House On Mango Street Lesson Plans : House Plans

House On Mango Street Lesson Plans

The House on Mango Street is a coming-of-age novel by Sandra Cisneros that follows the experiences of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl, as she navigates her adolescence in a working-class neighborhood. The novel explores themes of identity, home, and the search for belonging, making it a valuable text for high school English classes.

Exploring Identity Through Esperanza's Journey

Esperanza's story provides a rich opportunity for students to examine the complexities of identity. Through her experiences, she grapples with her Mexican-American heritage, her dreams, and her place in sociedade. Students can analyze how Esperanza's experiences shape her self-perception and how she learns to reconcile her different identities.

Examining the Concept of Home

The novel's title, "The House on Mango Street," highlights the importance of home as a central theme. Esperanza's family moves frequently, and she struggles to find a sense of belonging in her temporary homes. Students can explore the symbolic meanings of different houses in the novel and how they reflect Esperanza's changing understanding of home.

Searching for Belonging in Community

Esperanza's neighborhood on Mango Street is a vibrant and tight-knit community. Through her interactions with her neighbors, she learns the importance of connection and support. Students can analyze how the community shapes Esperanza's sense of belonging and how it provides a refuge from the challenges she faces.

Analyzing Language and Narrative Structure

Cisneros's use of language and narrative structure in "The House on Mango Street" is unique and innovative. Her vignettes and lyrical prose offer students an opportunity to study the power of language and narrative form. They can explore how Cisneros's writing style contributes to the novel's themes and character development.

Connecting to Social Justice Issues

The novel addresses social justice issues such as poverty, racism, and gender inequality. Students can connect Esperanza's experiences to these larger social issues and explore how they shape her life and the lives of others in her community. This connection fosters critical thinking and encourages students to engage with social justice issues.

Lesson Plan Ideas

Identity Exploration: Have students create a character map of Esperanza and trace her journey of self-discovery throughout the novel.
Home Analysis: Discuss the different houses Esperanza lives in and have students write essays analyzing their symbolic meanings and their impact on her.
Community Connections: Divide students into groups to research different aspects of the Mango Street community, such as its history, culture, and traditions.
Language and Structure: Lead a close reading of Cisneros's prose and have students identify literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, and foreshadowing.
Social Justice Discussion: Host a class discussion on the social justice issues raised in the novel and connect them to real-world examples.

Conclusion

The House on Mango Street offers a wealth of material for engaging and thought-provoking English language lessons. By exploring the novel's themes, narrative structure, and social justice implications, students gain a deeper understanding of identity, home, and belonging. These lesson plans provide a framework for teachers to facilitate meaningful discussions and foster critical thinking in their classrooms.