This week our class read Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirer about a young girl who is uninterested in American culture after her family moves from China. Because she spends so much time focused on her heritage, customs, and traditions, she is unable to appreciate the new culture around her. Her brother and sister plot to change her mind through a scheme that proves you can appreciate your past, while embracing your future.
Students are asked to share their personal customs and traditions through their comments.
Use the following prompts to share your thoughts:
1. What tradition does your family celebrate?
2. Why is it important to you and your family?
3. Does participating in these traditions make you feel more in touch with your cultural background?
Students are asked to share their personal customs and traditions through their comments.
Use the following prompts to share your thoughts:
1. What tradition does your family celebrate?
2. Why is it important to you and your family?
3. Does participating in these traditions make you feel more in touch with your cultural background?
Dear Mrs. Coro's class,
ReplyDeleteLike Second Sister, I find it important to stay true to my family's heritage. Being a first generation American, I'm proud of all the small things that identify me as Cuban.
For example, I speak Spanish at home, and I'm making sure that Sebastian is bilingual too. My grandmother taught me Spanish, and I feel it's one of the few things that still tie me to her.
I also love eating traditional Cuban dishes. Amazing meals like ropa vieja, picadillo, and arroz con pollo make me feel connected to the little island where my parents grew up. I hope to one day start cooking those same traditional meals for my own family.
Music is also a large part of the Cuban culture. The lively salsa rhythms always bring me to my feet and remind me of family gathering. I challenge anyone to stay seated when the Buena Vista Social Club is on the stereo.
Many things remind me of my rich heritage, but the ability to speak the Spanish language, taste the delicious food, and listen to the lively music make me feel like I'm home.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Coro
Dear Mrs. Coro’s class,
ReplyDeleteJust like second sister, I stick to my heritage too. In this well-written story, I find that it is important to stick to your heritage at all times. I am proud to be known as a Persian-American.
At home, my mom REALLY wants my sister and me to speak Farsi. When I was little, my mom taught me how to speak Farsi step by step and I learned it from the age of two. I am really happy that my mom taught me how to speak Farsi.
Persian food is also very scrumptious, just like Kabob or Persian soup called ash. I really want to learn how to make the food too. My sister and I are always waiting at the table for delicious rice, just like colossal, hungry monsters waiting for the food to come, so they can eat it ALL up.
The celebrations are also REALLY fun. I love Norooz and Charshambe Souri. Norooz is a Persian New Year where you set up a table that most of the stuff start with the sound “S” in Farsi. At Charshambe Souri, you jump over fire so all your bad luck will get burned. I really love Persian celebrations.
In conclusion, Farsi, Persian food, and Persian celebrations are the best things I can ever think of. I hope all of you will try them too.
Sincerely,
Shana
Dear Mrs. Coro's class,
ReplyDeleteI am not like second sister, I do not follow a heritage. In fact, I don't even know if my family has a heritage. After reading Yang The Second, I am going to find out about my heritage. I enjoyed reading this book to find out about a heritage. I wonder how many different people have heritages.
Sincerely,
Bryan
Dear Isabel,
ReplyDeleteYour essay is fantastic! You pesuaded me to vacation in New York this summer.I love how you describe "The Big Apple" so fascinatingly, like when you said, that in Time Square it's "entertainment itself." "Just looking at the lights flashing brilliant colors, brings amazement to your eyes." Since my uncle is moving to New York, I can't wait untill I can visit!
Sincerely,
Sadaf
Dear Gabrielle,
ReplyDeleteI think that you have persuaed me to buy a fish the amazing whey you described your fish as a scaly little friend
Sincerely
Anne
Dear Jae Won,
ReplyDeleteI really think you improved from the first day you arrived in third grade. I still remember the day I had to help you when I sat next to you in Mr.Ross's class. I am so glad you decided to come to this school.
Sincerely,
Morgan