Discussion questions for Papalotzin and the Monarchs / Papalotzin y las monarcas [1].
Grades PreK-3
Prior to reading the story -- in English and/or Spanish -- have students create their own butterflies, in various colors, working from a construction-paper template. Encourage creativity, using glitter, paint and other craft items. Collect the butterflies. Before students arrive on the day you read the story, put all the butterflies in a crowded place, clumped together in one corner of the room. Read the story just prior to lunch or recess, stopping just before Papalotzin kicks down the wall. When the children are out, quickly move the butterflies all around the room, so they are everywhere, not trapped in one place. When the children return, help them notice the changed butterflies, then read the conclusion of the story and work through the discussion questions.
Grades 4-6
To tie this story to your science lessons, study the migration route of monarch butterflies [2] and work together to present reports on the topic. Or tie the lesson to another common springtime classroom activity -- the life cycle of caterpillar, cocoon and butterfly.
For the oldest students, this story can serve as a springboard for a discussion or formal debate on current border issues facing the U.S. and Mexico.
Links:
[1] http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-30-fall-2006/papalotzin-and-monarchs-bilingual-border-tale
[2] http://www.monarchwatch.org