Hispanic Myths & Legends: La Llorona

This lesson introduces beginning language learners to the legend of La Llorona in a way that promotes using legends to learn about culture in a deep and meaningful way.

This lesson asks students to consider some complex ideas and make connections between the products, practices, and beliefs of Hispanics around the world. These activities promote higher-level thinking that would be beyond the grasp of most students in the target language, so the lessons are done in English to make sure they are attainable.

These lessons make perfect sub plans as they require no prep and little to no Spanish language production.

Students begin by reading the legend of La Llorona and illustrating the legend to demonstrate comprehension and understanding.

Students are then debriefed on the class system that existed in colonial Mexico and serves as a tie in to the legend itself. Students are then asked to reflect on the social hierarchy within their school building to gain a greater understanding of the feelings and motivations of the lover of La Llorona in the legend.

Finally, students will read a second and slightly different version of the legend from Texas. They will be asked to compare and contrast the two versions and reflect on the cultural differences between the two groups.

This Product Includes:
-La Llorona Legend (version 1)
-Illustration Activity
-Social Class in Colonial Mexico Activity
-Social Hierarchy in Schools Activity
-La Llorona Legend (version 2)
-Venn Diagram Activity