Saturday Sancocho
on Goodreads (42)
What’s inside...
Bright cheerful illustrations capturing the spirit of the marketplace and a recipe for delicious chicken sancocho highlight the tale of Maria Lili and her grandparents and the special Saturday when they run out of everything but eggs.
Age
4-8
Length
1 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maria Lili
Abuelo
Abuela
Discussion points
What do you think Maria Lili and her grandmother felt while they were trading for ingredients? Why do you think they traded items instead of buying them?
How do the different ingredients in the sancocho represent the people in the community?
What does the story teach us about sharing and helping each other?
How do you think Maria Lili’s family and neighbors felt when they shared the sancocho?
If you were in the story, what would you have contributed to the sancocho?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore the themes of community and sharing by asking them how they would feel in similar situations.
Prompt discussions about teamwork by exploring how each character contributed to making the sancocho.
Relate the bartering system in the story to real-life situations, such as trading toys with friends, to help your child connect with the narrative.
Discuss the cultural aspects of the story, such as the significance of sancocho in certain communities, to enhance understanding and appreciation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of hard work and resourcefulness
Explanation: In 'Saturday Sancocho,' the protagonist Maria Lili and her grandmother work together to gather ingredients for their traditional meal by bartering items they have for items they need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the efforts behind creating meals and can be encouraged to assist in household tasks, understanding the importance and benefits of working towards a goal.
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: The story revolves around the preparation of a special meal that Maria Lili and her grandmother make together every Saturday, emphasizing the bonding and sense of continuity provided by family traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in or even help initiate family traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the family unit.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Maria Lili and her grandmother must think creatively to obtain all the necessary ingredients without money, demonstrating effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically when faced with challenges, understanding that sometimes unconventional solutions can be the most effective.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The book introduces children to the Colombian tradition of making sancocho, highlighting cultural diversity and the richness of different culinary practices.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and show respect for different cultures, enhancing their global awareness and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Generosity and sharing
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters engage in acts of sharing and kindness, such as bartering fairly and contributing to a communal meal.
Real-World Application: This lesson can remind children of the importance of sharing and being considerate to others, promoting social skills and communal harmony.