Definition : Service is doing something nice or helpful for someone else.
Summary: Dona Flor is a giant woman with a big heart - she likes to help people, animals, and plants in her native village. She makes tortillas, gives children rides, reads stories to the kids, makes a river to provide water for everyone, plants a garden of huge plants, and protects families from a scary mountain lion (puma).
Lesson Objectives:
- Students are motivated to be more like Dona Flor, who is always giving and trying to help others.
- Students learn about Mexican/Southwestern U.S.A. village culture and some new words, like mesa, puma, tortillas, and more.
Guiding Questions:
- Dona Flor has a “great, big heart.” What does she look like, where does she live, what does she like to do?
- Would you like to have Dona Flor living in your neighborhood? Why or why not?
- Do you know what these words mean - mesa, puma, tortilla? If not, ask someone or look it up.
- What are some of the ways Dona Flor helps her village?
- What is everyone scared of, and how does Dona Flor help them feel safe again?
- Even though Dona Flor was unusual and kind of scary because she was so big, the people in the village liked her. Why?
- How did the puma make its growl sound so fearsome?
- Are giants real? Do you know any other stories about giants? Were they nice or mean?
- Do you know anyone who reminds you of Dona Flor because they are always giving and loving? If so, who is it and what do they do to show they have a big heart?
- Did you ever eat a tortilla or any other Mexican food? If so, what did you eat and how was it? If not, would you like to try Mexican food?
