Session
1:
An Introduction to the Work of Jesus Colón
“Sarah,” a character sketch that appears in Jesus Colón’s
New York Puerto Rican provides an appropriate entry into
the work of this important writer. The opening lines state succinctly
one major entry point to this brief story that has universal appeal
with special significance to teachers.
“Sometimes we work with people for
years; we see them and
talk to them every day. But we don’t actually know them.”
Read aloud the selection and invite students to describe how this
selection speaks (or not) to them. Students may comment on e.g.,
having had similar experiences, e.g., the broken string incident,
being reminded of someone they know who is like Sarah, the storyteller’s
narrative approach, how the writer uses words to paint a portrait
of Sarah.
Chart the range of reactions prompted by the selection, then probe
to make connections to teaching.
Discuss
-
“How did we respond to this selection as a group?”
-
“Is this an appropriate story to use with your class?
-
“Would recommend it to a colleague?
-
“What clues do we have as to the identity of the writer
and when the story was written?”
Identify the author and when he wrote
and probe
- Have you ever heard of Jesus Colón?
- Why do you suppose you have not heard about the literary contributions
of Jesus Colón?
- Is it important to know about Jesus Colón’s writings as
a literacy educator in New York City?
- What clues do you have about the historical period when he wrote
from this selection?
- Where could you go to find out more about him?”
List responses on experience chart and date. Synthesize information
and post on our website/blackboard course.
Web-Based Assignment
Participants will post their reactions to this experience on black
board within 24 hours after the session. Responses may include what
you are learning about:
- Jesus Colón’s life and times,
- specific literary contributions,
- connections to other writers,
- an author’s study of this writer, and
- informative websites beginning with those listed here.
Although El Centro
Library and Archives represents a vast and untapped resource
for educators, there are a number of other resources easily accessible
on-line which provide a more balanced representation of the Puerto
Rican community and its contributions to American society than
typically presented in textbooks and the media. Through the exploration
and use of these multimedia websites, educators acquire background
knowledge on Jesus Colón and the Puerto Rican community as they
acquire greater skill and fluency in their application.
1. The
Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute.
“The Hispanic View of the Urban Setting” by Myrella
Lara
2. Facing
History and Ourselves.
“Little Things are Big” by Jesus Colón; Little Things
are Big: Connection Questions
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