Narración en 2º grado / Storytelling in 2nd grade

In connection with second grade’s unit on Pourquoi Tales and Storytelling, the students were exposed to Spanish folktales and legends during la clase de español. Through Lulu Delacre’s book, “Golden Tales”, the students were introduced to a variety of “Myths, Legends, and Folktales from Latin America.” We heard the Taino myth, “How the Sea Was Born”, a Zapotec myth, “How the Rainbow Was Born” and a few others. We also read Alma Flor Ada’s story, “The Lizard and the Sun / La Lagartija y el Sol” which brought to light why “all lizards like to lie in the sun.”

As an introduction to storytelling, the students heard a comical story based on a popular Cuban and Puerto Rican children’s tale of a little cockroach who, in her journey of finding love, finds happiness and friendship. The title of this fable is La Cucarachita Martina (Martina the Little Cockroach). There are different versions, each more hilarious than the next. First, we heard Daniel Moreton’s story, La Cucarachita Martina: A Caribbean Folktale. In this story, Martina lives in a big city with lots of noises she does not care for. Upon being awoken by a beautiful sound one night, she is determined to discover the source and sets out to find it. Another version is the one retold by Carmen Agra Deedy, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. In this story, Martina’s abuela advises her to use la prueba del café (the coffee test) as she interviews her suitors in order to decide whom to marry. And lastly, we listened to Lucia M. Gonzalez’s version as she retells the story in the way it was told to her as a child “in Cuba.” After reading this version, the second graders watched as the teacher acted out the story... props and all! Hysterical! Then, to help the students make a deeper engagement with the tale and exercise their imagination, they got the chance to act out the story themselves. The students had a ball performing as each acted out the parts of the humorous characters. They were spectacular! 

This entertaining activity also helped prepare the second graders for their oral storytelling picnic event coming soon where each will get the chance to tell their own tale. And, as an additional support, we invited a professional storyteller to stop by and share her wisdom and expertise on the art of storytelling. Catalina Ríos is a phenomenal Storyteller, Spanish teacher, Translator, and Poet whom we had the greatest honor to have visit and work with us. In small groups, Catalina held four workshops with the students. To model the art, she began by sharing a Taino tale about el dios Huracán (The Hurricane god). She told her story with much enthusiasm and emotion, used gestures and engaged her audience by given them a part in the telling of the story. Afterwards, she invited each student to tell his or her story. Catalina listened and observed each as they shared their story and when done, gave them feedback. What an amazing experience, advice from an expert!

Catalina’s skill is so amazing, that we invited her to share her gift with the entire Lower School. So, the next morning during an assembly, she wowed us all with three remarkable tales; El dios Huracán, Juan Bobo y la puerca (Juan Bobo and the girl pig), and Roberto Clemente. Her energy, talent and ability to keep the audience engaged blew us away. She was truly exceptional!