The Woman Who Outshone the Sun by Alejandro Cruz Martinez
Title: The Woman Who Outshone the Sun (.pdf lesson plan)
Author: Alejandro Cruz Martinez
Grade Level: K-2
Standards*
- Common Core: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.1, K.2, & K.3; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.1, 1.2, & 1.3; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.1, 2.2, & 2.3
- Virginia Standards of Learning: K.9; 1.9; 2.8
Overarching Theme(s): Fairness, Point of View, Empathy, Inferencing
Timeframe: (30-45 minutes) The WomanWho Outshone the Sun
Summary
This story retells the Zapotec legend of Lucia Zenteno. It tells the story of a beautiful woman who comes to live in a village. Upon arriving, everyone notices she is different from them in many ways. Nature is drawn to Lucia; when she would bathe, the river would flow into her hair and when she combed her hair the river would flow back out. The elders of the village tell everyone to be nice to Lucia. However, there are villagers who are afraid of Lucia and treat her poorly, causing her to run from the village. When she leaves, the rivers and animals go with her, leaving the villagers with nothing. Realizing their mistake, they rush to find her and ask for forgiveness. She forgives them, and the animals and river return to the village.
Lesson Goals
- Identify feelings and motivations of characters
- Discuss what is fair when taking into account both perspectives