Like Water for Chocolate ESL Lesson Plan [Free PDF]

Introduction

The Like Water for Chocolate ESL Lesson Plan introduces students to the magical realism genre through the popular novel “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel. This lesson plan aims to engage students in language learning through the exploration of themes, characters, and cultural elements present in the novel. By delving into this captivating story, students can enhance their language skills while gaining insights into Mexican culture and traditions. The lesson plan provides a rich opportunity for students to improve their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and speaking abilities within a culturally immersive context.

Vocabulary Building

Vocab

Contextual Usage

1. The novel showcases elements of magical realism through the protagonist’s ability to infuse her emotions into the food she prepares.
2. The story explores the significance of tradition in shaping family dynamics and relationships.
3. The theme of forbidden love is evident in the clandestine romance between two characters.
4. Culinary descriptions are vividly portrayed, evoking sensory experiences for the readers.
5. The characters’ emotions drive their actions and decisions throughout the narrative.

ESL Warm-up Activity

To set the tone for the Like Water for Chocolate ESL Lesson Plan, start with a captivating warm-up activity. Begin by introducing students to the concept of magical realism, a key element in the novel. Provide a few examples of magical realism in literature and ask students to share their thoughts on how this genre blends reality with fantastical elements. Then, encourage them to imagine a real-life situation where magical elements are seamlessly integrated into everyday life. This activity will not only capture students’ attention but also pique their curiosity about the themes and storytelling style they will encounter in “Like Water for Chocolate.”

Main ESL Lesson Activities

Vocabulary Activity: Culinary Delights

To engage students in the culinary themes of “Like Water for Chocolate,” organize a group activity where each group creates a list of ingredients and cooking instructions for a magical dish. Encourage them to incorporate emotions and feelings into the recipe, reflecting the novel’s central theme. Afterward, each group presents their recipe to the class, explaining the emotions infused into their culinary creation.

Listening Exercise: Emotionally Charged Music

Select a few pieces of music that evoke strong emotions and play them for the class. Ask students to listen attentively and note down the emotions or memories that arise while listening. Then, facilitate a group discussion where students share their emotional responses and relate them to specific scenes or characters in “Like Water for Chocolate.”

Roleplay: Forbidden Love Dilemma

Divide the class into pairs and assign each pair a scenario depicting forbidden love. Students will roleplay the characters, expressing their emotions and conflicts related to societal norms and family traditions. This activity encourages students to delve into the complexities of relationships portrayed in the novel.

Reading and Writing: Character Diary Entries

Ask students to choose a character from the novel and write a diary entry from their perspective, expressing their innermost thoughts, desires, and struggles. Afterward, encourage them to share their diary entries with a partner or in small groups, fostering discussions about character motivations and emotions within the story.

ESL Homework Assignment

For homework, students are tasked with writing a short story or a diary entry from the perspective of a character in “Like Water for Chocolate,” incorporating elements of magical realism and the emotions associated with culinary experiences. This assignment reinforces the themes and language elements explored in class, encouraging students to engage creatively with the content. Additionally, they are encouraged to research and prepare a brief presentation on traditional Mexican dishes, connecting the culinary aspects of the novel to real-world cultural practices.

Conclusion

Summary

Throughout this Like Water for Chocolate ESL Lesson Plan, students have delved into the captivating world of magical realism, culinary traditions, and forbidden love as portrayed in the novel. They have explored vocabulary related to emotions, culinary experiences, and cultural practices while engaging in various activities that fostered comprehension and language development.

Reflection

As students reflect on this lesson, they are encouraged to consider how the themes and language elements encountered can be applied to their language development. By immersing themselves in the emotional and cultural nuances of the story, they have expanded their vocabulary, honed their listening and speaking skills, and gained insights into Mexican culture. This reflection prompts students to recognize the relevance of literature in language learning and its impact on their linguistic proficiency.

Why this topic is great for ESL learning

Engaging Content

The Like Water for Chocolate ESL Lesson Plan offers engaging content through the exploration of magical realism, cultural traditions, and emotional themes, providing students with a captivating and immersive learning experience.

Cultural Insights

By delving into the Mexican culture and culinary traditions depicted in the novel, students gain valuable insights into diverse cultural practices, broadening their understanding of global perspectives and enhancing their cultural awareness.

Language Development

The lesson plan facilitates language development by exposing students to rich vocabulary related to emotions, culinary experiences, and storytelling elements, fostering their linguistic proficiency and communication skills in an engaging context.