Educator Guide

Note to teachers:

High school students who watch the nightly news or read daily newspapers are very aware of stories that promote stereotypes of Latinos in our society. Often these stereotypes are negative, portraying Latinos as criminals and second class citizens. Or, especially in the case of Latina women, they are highly sexualized, viewed more as objects than intelligent individuals.  These stories come in short bytes, and young people may not fully realize or feel the effects of such acts of prejudice.

By reading a book like DREAM IN COLOR, students are offered an alternate view of Latinos. Readers are invited into the lives of one inspiring family who, by loving, respecting and supporting each other, have been able to defy all stereotypes others attempted to force on them. Whether a student herself is Latina is not important; the stories and advice provided in DREAM IN COLOR are appropriate for all individuals who wish to pursue their dreams.  The ultimate goal is for students to realize that we should judge people by what they do, not by preconceived ideas, and that through ingenuity, integrity and perseverance every person can realize her dream.

Pre-reading Activity:

Explain to students that they are reading a memoir about two real-life Congresswomen. Discuss the difference between memoir, biography and autobiography. Explain that the Congresswomen have chosen to share lessons they have learned in life by highlighting specific events and individuals that have made an impact on them. Some of these events are “big,” such as winning a Congressional seat, and others are “small,” such as playing in a softball tournament. The people they write about are often family members, but teachers, friends and coworkers are also included.  Ask each student to write down one or two special moments from their life that they would include in their own memoir. Ask each student to write down one or two people they would include in their own memoir. Encourage them to share their work and discuss why they chose what and whom they did. After reading the book, invite students to revisit their lists and ask if they would make any changes.

Discussion Questions:

1. A recurring theme in DREAM IN COLOR is being true to yourself and not allowing other to force you to be someone you are not. Can you think of situations where one person has tried to peer pressure you or someone around you into acting a certain way? What are strategies that could help someone handle that kind of situation?
2. What stereotypes exist about Latinos? About women? About teenagers? Where do stereotypes come from? Do you ever feel stereotyped and judged? Have you ever held a stereotype about another group and learned it was false?
3. Loretta and Linda’s family once quit eating grapes in support of César Chávez. Who was César Chávez? How have his efforts impacted our world today? Do you agree or disagree with his beliefs?
4. Both Linda and Loretta have experienced racism in their lives. Have you ever experiences racism, or seen someone act in a racist way? How did the situation make you feel? How did you handle the situation?
5. Sports are an important part of Linda’s life, and she credits playing sports with learning about responsibility and teamwork. Do you play sports and, if so, what do you feel you have learned from being part of a team? If you don’t play sports, have you ever been part of a group where you know others relied on you? What did you learn from that experience?
6. As one of the oldest of seven siblings, Loretta had many responsibilities at home that some of her younger brothers and sisters did not. What responsibilities do you have at home? Why do you think you have these? Do you think it’s fair? Are there any responsibilities that you’d like to have that you don’t? If so, how could you show that you’re ready to handle them?
7. During their campaigns for office, Linda and Loretta were often faced with hard criticism. Sometimes this crossed the line to outright personal attacks. Have you ever been in a situation where someone was saying hurtful or untrue things about you? If so, how did that make you feel? How did you handle the situation? If not, what advice would you give to someone else in that situation?
8. Loretta and Linda are sisters who have a lot in common, but there are differences between them too. What do you think are some of their similarities and difference? Point to passages from the book that illustrate them. If you have siblings, how are you alike and how are you different?
9. Are there things about the Sánchez family that remind you of your own? What strikes you as the biggest difference between your family and theirs?
10. Linda and Loretta talk about some of the expectations their parents had of them, such as where they would go to school. Sometimes these expectations were different for the girls and for the boys. What were some of the expectations that Linda and Loretta’s parents had of them? What expectations are placed on you by your parents as a son or daughter? Do you think these expectations are fair?
11. Linda and Loretta also have their own expectations of their staffs and of people they work with. Do you have expectations of your friends? What about of a boyfriend or girlfriend? What are they? Why are they important to you?
12. Both Linda and Loretta share moments when someone they trusted disappointed them. Point to moments in the book where this happens and discuss the circumstances. Can you see both sides of the situation? Would you have handled the situation the same as they did, or differently? Have you ever had someone in your life disappoint you? How did you handle it?
13. Loretta and Linda believe it is important to give back to the community. Does your school have any volunteer organizations? Are you involved in them, or in programs outside of school? What would be some types of community outreach that you’d like to be involved in? How could you make that happen?
14. Linda and Loretta talk about how hard it can be to overcome shyness, and that shyness is often a problem for people who are new to an area, whether it’s new school, a new town or a new country. People who are learning a new language may have an ever harder time trying to adjust and fit in. Have you ever felt shy in a situation? If so, how did you overcome it? If shyness isn’t a problem for you, do you know anyone else who is shy? What advice would you give to help someone feel more confident?
15. Loretta and Linda learned from their mother that, while it’s important to be understanding and respectful, there are also times when it is equally important to stand up for yourself. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to stand up for yourself? What did you do? What are ways a person can stand up for herself without disrespecting someone else?

Beyond the Book:

Dream Big:

Loretta and Linda Sánchez had people in their lives that inspired them to follow their dreams. By setting goals and working hard to achieve them, they made history by becoming the first sisters ever to serve in the US Congress.

Ask each student to write down his or her own goals. Encourage them to set at least one goal that can be accomplished in 1 year, one that can be accomplished in 5 years, and one that can be accomplished in 10 years. For each goal, have them write down one or two things they can do to help them achieve it. Revisit the list throughout the year and discuss progress and/or how goals have changed.

Civic Skills:

Loretta and Linda Sánchez represent Congressional districts in California. Each Congresswoman has specific goals and priorities for her district, and is also involved in various committees in Washington DC.

Invite Student to visit the Congresswomen’s websites and discuss and debate their politics.

http://lindasanchez.house.gov/, http://www.lorettasanchez.house.gov/

Ask each student to identify their own Congressional district, learn who their Representative is and the beliefs that he or she holds. Encourage students to discuss and debate policies and laws supported by their Representative. Encourage students to write their Representatives with questions.

Get Involved:

Loretta and Linda Sánchez continue to be involved with their communities. Encourage students to find out about volunteer opportunities in their area. Discuss different ways people can be involved in their local community, and in the global community. Is there a project they can become involved in as a class? As a school?

Reading and Writing:

Encourage students to start book clubs where they can read other memoirs or any type of book that interests them. Invite each student in the club to create his or her own discussion question like those above to share with the group.

Go back to the lists suggested in the pre-reading activity. Invite students to write their own memoir. Discuss the different steps involved in writing and publishing a book.

The importance of family is a prominent theme in DREAM IN COLOR. Invite students to write a letter to a family member or loved one telling that person how he or she has impacted the student’s life.