Lydia’s Story examples:

Visual Description

“She knew that if she went outside, she would be swept up in the current and drown. There was no one in sight.” p129

Dialog

“But as the water continued to rise, the table started moving, then rocking- and Lydia knew she was in trouble.” p130

Sensory Description

“When we asked if she got hungry or thirsty, she said that she didn’t remember feeling that way. Her tongue became dry and her lips were cracked, but she only was aware of being terrified of the water.” p130

Topics:

·         Learning to write in Spanish in Mexico

·         Getting help from my Vinland Elementary (how I felt sooooo smart but was not)

·         How I didn’t enjoy reading books without pictures but did after I was introduced to The Magic Tree House

Consider your Rhetoric Situation:

1.)    Purpose: The reason why I would like to talk about my experience of writing Spanish in Mexico was first to fulfill the assignment but know I think I can make it enjoyable for myself and the readers. With my story I can also shift many ways; from teaching a lesson, making it funny and enjoyable or the challenges I had.

2.)    Audience: I think my experience may be similar to many other readers’ experience. I will have to make some explaining and translating when using Spanish words. I think they will understand my attitude and feelings without explaining too much. I would love to share some of my life experiences if I could make my writing more enjoyable or send the message I am trying to do so to the reader. Explaining myself in writing (or putting words in a paper) has been a challenge to me.

3.)    Stance: I want my writing to have a positive reflection with humor and interest. Which is going to be a challenge because some things that happened to me can be viewed negatively or positively depending on how the reader takes it or how I explain it.

4.)    Media/Design: My narrative will be done in print or photos. ( it can be help the reader see pictures of places)

Describe the setting:

1.)    What do you see? First time going to school in Mexico.

a.       Walls are made of brick and cement

b.      Windows are big with thick wire (thick wire?)

c.       No carpet instead cold floor

d.      Chalkboard

e.       Long tables

f.       On Fridays uniforms are worn

g.      Spiders and spider webs on ceilings and corners

h.      Long and narrow room

i.        No doors in class

j.        The school had an open ceiling in the middle and classes were around the open ceiling in a square way

k.      A gate that was permantly closed for a certain time

2.)    What do you hear?

a.       Yelling

b.      Loud voices

c.       Laughter

d.      Correction made after making errors

3.)    What do you smell?

a.       Dirt

b.      Food

4.)    How and what do you feel?

a.       Happy

b.      Nervous

c.       Shock

d.      Cold seats

5.)    What do you taste?

a.       Candy

b.      Lunch sandwich

c.       Tacos

Think about the Key People

Describe each person:  They speak and read very fast with an accent. At first I couldn’t understand much and they couldn’t understand me much either. I mumbled. The clothes was made of cheaper fragments. Sweater were pink with a Looney Toons cartoon figure. Some weared ripped greyish pants. Some weared neater clothes.

Recall:

The teacher says “Today we are going to read and answer the questions on page 100 individually. Jorge may you please read aloud and then you Monica. Everyone will get a chance to read.”

Write about “what happened”

Summarize the action: When my turn came to read I noticed I sounded differently than the rest. My face got flushed, everyone turned, laughed, starred and pointed at me. I heard someone yell from across the room “that girl does not know how to read or write.” Embarrassed I was so I stopped and kept my eyes on the paper trying to ignore people’s faces.

Consider the significance of the narrative: At first it was difficult for me to accept people’s comments so I came to be hard to myself. After a while I came to realize that even though I am a Mexican I can not expect to read or write my Spanish language like other people who wrote Spanish since they were little. So I realized I had to stop being so hard to myself and accept the reality. After I did that I started to view other people’s comments in a positive way. I was not emotionally hurt anymore because I didn’t believe what they said to be true.  The funny part was that I at first believe I was disliked but at the end I knew by looking at their eyes that I was liked, and that is why they were picking on me. I learned that every race responds differently. So for example I thought what they were doing was mean but from their perspective it was more like showing care. This story matters to me because I viewed it differently than what it was in reality. If this did not happen than I wouldn’t have been able to tell this awesome story.