Legends Series, Legends from Latin America/Leyendas de Latinoamerica
Legends Series
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
Legends from Latin America/Leyendas latinoamericanas is a bilingual reader designed for intermediate to early advanced Spanish students. It contains 18 stories spanning 2,000 years, including Indian tales pre-dating Columbus, stories from the conquest and colonial period, and tales from the 19th century. Presented in both Spanish and English, the text helps students improve their reading skills in Spanish with the support of their native language. The book includes content questions to enhance understanding and exercises to reinforce grammar and vocabulary.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-14
Length
296 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What similarities and differences do you notice between the legends in this book and other stories you know?
How do you think the characters felt during the key moments of the legends? Can you relate to any of their emotions?
Why do you think these legends have been told and retold for so many years in Latin America?
What lessons can we learn from these legends?
If you could meet one of the characters from these legends, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the settings of the legends. Discuss the landscapes, cityscapes, and cultures described in the book.
Connect the themes or morals of the legends to real-life situations that your child might encounter, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about Latin American culture, including food, music, and traditions.
After reading a legend, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This can lead to further discussion about the story.
Let your child retell their favorite legend in their own words, fostering creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book introduces children to a variety of legends from different Latin American cultures, detailing their origins and significance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and appreciate diversity in cultures and traditions, which fosters empathy and understanding in their interactions with people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The Power of Storytelling
Explanation: Each legend is portrayed with rich narrative elements that demonstrate the strength of oral traditions in preserving history and teachings.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value in sharing their own stories and experiences, understanding that their voices can influence and educate others.
Example Lesson: Moral Integrity
Explanation: Throughout the legends, characters are often faced with challenges that test their values. The outcomes teach children about the importance of honesty, bravery, and integrity.
Real-World Application: This can help children to make ethical decisions in their daily lives, promoting a strong moral compass.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Many stories involve protagonists overcoming obstacles through wit and cleverness, illustrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges creatively, thinking critically to find solutions in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers.