Hispanic Myths & Legends: El Cadejo

This lesson introduces beginning language learners to the legend of El Cadejo (Central America) 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 El Cadejo and illustrating the legend to demonstrate comprehension and understanding.

Students are then asked to analyze several paintings created by a Guatemalan using the El Cadejo motif and explain the elements that are common to the paintings and the story.

Students are then introduced to the Mayan belief of spirit animals. They are given some examples of nahuales (spirit animals) and asked to choose an appropriate animal based on their characteristics.

Finally, students will read the lyrics to a song called "El Cadejo" and list words from the song that relate to the legend and support their conclusions with word meanings and rationale.

This Product Includes:
-El Cadejo Legend (version 1)
-Illustration Activity
-Art Activity
-Mayan Nahual Spirit Animal Activity
-Music Lyric Activity