Name: Catalina Rodriguez
Location: Monterrey, Mexico

 

How do you use Shmoop?

As an ESL high school teacher, I am constantly looking for literature in English and creative ways in which to engage my students in reading. Reading is a big issue with my students; they mostly don't like to read books, and less so in a second language. Having said that, I enjoy browsing through all the activities that your site offers for specific books. This semester we read The House on Mango Street in one class, and The Fellowship of the Ring in another class.

I usually include the introductory video inside the class and then continue with writing (a reflection on what we just read). My students usually enjoy doing this due to the fact that the topics discussed in these videos are related to the book and they make my students reflect on how these topics can also be related to their own lives—a perfect way to introduce a book.

What’s your favorite Shmoop product?

Teaching Guides … are related to the books we are reading in class. I am constantly looking for new and engaging ways in which to cover a book, and these guides offer many different possibilities.

What is the coolest experience you've had using Shmoop?

The activity that I have enjoyed the most is the monologue on The House on Mango Street: Where does your name come from? What meaning does it have? Do you like it?

We read Esperanza's monologue in the book, and then I showed my students the video (play) presenting Esperanza's monologue. After this, I asked my students to record a similar monologue about their names. They were great! They gave me an insight into my students' lives, and they enjoyed listening to their peers' recordings. It's a great way of getting my students to practice talking in English.

Which historical figure would you pick as your BFF?

Right now, I think I would [pick] Winston Churchill as my BFF. I just read a biography about him, and I find him to be an interesting and unusual person.

(Hey Catalina, we hear he knew how to sport a bowtie, too.)

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