Lesson9-Culminating+Fiesta

Home Nuestra Fiesta! The culminating activity for our Quinceañera/Sweet 16 unit will look a little like one of the birthday celebrations. At the beginning of the unit we will have sent home a letter to the parents explaining the unit and telling them about the celebration asking for RSVPs and offers to bring food, decorations, or other supplies. Students and guests will be encouraged to dress for a “party.” Before the “party” starts we will decorate the classroom and set aside an area for food/refreshments. Then before our guests arrive each group will have time to reflect on what they learned during the unit – as a group what was the easiest, most fun, most challenging and individually one thing they learned that they can use outside of the classroom. Next we will randomly choose an order for the groups to present their information. Each group will explain the scenario that they had, give an overview of what the Quinceañera or Sweet 16 will look like, show and explain the invitation and talk about the reflection questions. If the group is presenting a quinceañera then the presentation will be in Spanish, if they are presenting a Sweet 16 then the presentation will be in English. Individual reflection questions may be answered in the student’s first language and group reflection questions will be answered in both languages. When the guests arrive they will be greeted by students and given a tour of the classroom. There will be time for everyone to share in the food and refreshments before the presentations start. When all or most of the guests have arrived the teacher will introduce the unit and explain the format of how and what the students will be presenting and in what language. The guests will also be encouraged to ask questions of the presenters about their projects or especially about their reflections. The teacher will give this introduction in both Spanish and English. After each group’s presentation there will be time for other students or guests to ask questions. After each group has presented the teacher will thank the guests for attending and ask if there are any guests who would like to share their experiences about planning or attending a Quinceañera or Sweet 16 party. Everyone will then be invited to share in what is remaining of the refreshments. This event will take place at the end of the school day so that when clean-up is finished the students may go home with their parents/family.