Mrs. Sabin's Classroom
Module 3: Forced Labor- Perseverance and Courage in Hard Times
Unit Overview:
This module focuses on the life of María Virginia Farinango, with specific attention to understanding how she uses language in powerful ways and how her story is told in order to serve the purpose of teaching perseverance and courage through difficult situations. Students begin by building background knowledge on Ecuador. They then read closely key excerpts from the Narrative, focusing on the message as well as the author’s craft. Finally, they select one episode from the Narrative and rewrite it as a picture story.
Anchor Text
In this poignant novel based on a true story, Virginia's story will speak to anyone who has ever struggled to find his or her place in the world. It will make you laugh and cry, and ultimately, it will fill you with hope.
Born in an Andean village in Ecuador, Virginia lives with her large family in a small, earthen-walled dwelling. In her village of indígenas, it is not uncommon to work in the fields all day, even as a child, or to be called a longa tonta - stupid Indian - by members of the ruling class of mestizos, or Spanish descendants. When seven-year-old Virginia is taken from her village to be a servant to a mestizo couple, she has no idea what the future holds.
In this poignant novel based on a true story, acclaimed author Laura Resau has collaborated with María Virginia Farinango to recount one girl's unforgettable journey to self-discovery.