Teacher's Guide for FACES ® MexicoDecember 2000
Teacher Guide prepared by: Ann Stalcup. Ann Stalcup is the author of many magazine articles; her 7 nonfiction books were published in 1998. She has visited more than 100 countries and is a mentor, teacher, folk art collector, and writer.
Brainstorm students' prior knowledge of Mexico. List these facts on the blackboard.
Find it on the Map
Using a map of Mexico, locate the following:
- Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain Range
- Baja California
- Yucatan Peninsula
- Mexico City
- Guadalajara
- Oaxaca
- Patzcuaro
- Canc' ºn
Locate and name the countries to the north and south of Mexico's borders.
Vocabulary
The following words are used in this issue. They are listed in the order they appear. Use a dictionary, or the context surrounding each word, to determine the definition. monitoring strategies predators regurgitate conquistadors mestizo existence dominated sponsor destination deciphered anthropoligist herbalist rituatl biosphere enclaves abrazo barter artisans indigenous
Critical Thinking
Read the article "La Familia" that begins on page 8. How does family life in Mexico differ from that of most families in the United States? Describe some of the differences.
In the article "Maya Today," describe some of the adjustments Reynaldo's daughter Dulce would have made in becoming part of the modern workforce.
Questions How did scientists determine the exact destination of migrating monarch butterflies? How did the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) improve Mexico's chance of becoming prosperous? Why was Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve selected as a United nations World Heritage Site in 1987? Why is November 2nd, The Day of the Dead, a time for celebration? What are some of the ways the corn plant is used in Mexico?
Research
Select one of the following personalities from Mexico's history and research him in more detail than in the article on page 14. Creative Writing
Imagine spending a holiday in Mexico. Describe a typical day on your trip. Be sure to include the foods you would eat, the historic sites you might visit, the crafts you would shop for at a local market, and the musical entertainment that ends your day.
Art Project
Locate a book on Mexican crafts or Mexican costumes. Draw an illustration of a number of craft pieces of different styles, or copy at least three costumes from different regions.
Find out more about Mexico and listen to her National Anthem here!
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