Me and My 'hood

Objective:
Students will write about how they perceive their neighborhood influences and affects their self-image.

Activities:
1. Get a copy of The House on Mango Street and take out your copy of To Kill a Mockingbird.
2. Consider Scout's description of her neighborhood paying special attention to how she portrays the adults. How do the adults try to influence the children?
3. Consider Esperanza's description of her family and neighborhood paying special attention to how she perceives herself and becomes aware of the influences around her.
4. Write a vignette about your perception of your neighborhood. Make sure your story shows rather than tells. Let your perceptions jump off the page with detailed descriptions.

Note:
That's not popcorn I smell: it's Pop Quiz!!!