Multicultural Literature Activity

Maymester 2002

Judy Walker

Elementary Multicultural Literature Activity

Magic Windows: Ventanas Magicas &

Making Magic Windows

By Carmen Lomas Garza

Before reading:

Have supplies ready: sheets of tissue paper, small or medium scissors, string, glue stick, trash bin.

Teacher:

Let’s brainstorm all the possible uses for paper. Write list on board. Make sure that folded paper (like for airplanes) is somewhere on the list.

Read:

Read Magic Windows to class, pause to look closely at the connectors that Garza points out.

Teacher:

What can you tell about what’s important to the author from what she says? (The answers should include family and art.) Tell the students a bit about Garza:

She was raised in Kingsville, Texas in a loving family. At 13, she decided she wanted to be an artist. She taught herself the basics of drawing. She later went on to university.

Activities:

Have the students think about who and what is important in their lives. Follow Garza’ directions, pp 17 – 21 in Making Magic Windows for making Twinkling Stars. Before beginning, review scissor safety rules.

After Twinkling Stars are complete, have students write a short poem for someone they love and want to give the star to. Remind students that family and culture is very important in Garza’s work.

Closing:

Re-read pp 6-7 from Magic Windows. Remind students that it’s the everyday activities with their families that they will remember and value when they’re older.

Additional Resources:

Official Website:

http://www.carmenlomasgarza.com/

Smithsonian web page for Garza’s work:

http://www.nmaa.si.edu/webzine/carmen1.htm