CKLA Unit 1: They Call Me Güero
Focus:
In this first unit of Core Knowledge’s Language Arts program, students study contemporary fiction through the novel They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid’s Poems, which is written in various forms of poetry. Through this volume, students explore the many aspects of living on the border between two countries. They look at the cultural richness inherent in being part of two cultures, and the difficulties of having family on either side of a protected border. Students review the writing process and engage in an extended writing project. This unit includes a Beginning of Year Assessment.
Note: This unit uses They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid’s Poems, by David Bowles, a trade book published by Cinco Puntos Press (ISBN 978-1-947627-07-09). This is not available as a free download. Schools will need to purchase this book.
Number of Lessons: 15
Instruction Time:
90 minutes (Each lesson may be divided into shorter segments.)
Additional Search Terms:
checkpoint • heritage • informational essay • narrative fiction • dialogue • writing strong verbs • draft • revision
