Becoming Naomi Leon

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Los Animalitos”

In this activity, students will create their own animalitos to display and share.

The word animalitos translates to “little animals.” In the Spanish-speaking world, they can refer to an array of artistic works or collections of little animals, or even animal-shaped cookies. Each chapter is named after a collection of animals, presumably entries on the list Naomi keeps of collective animal names to help inspire her. Now it is your turn to tie artistic expression with inspiration from the natural world.

Choose a visual artistic medium (sculpture, clay, paintings, photos, baking, etc.) and create a collection of animalitos. Study the colors, shapes, and animals that Oaxacan folk artists have used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Then, consider the following prompts as you develop your ideas:

• Which animals or animal groups interest you, and why?
• Do you have the supplies and resources you need for your medium of choice?
• Do you know any folklore or tales that have drawn inspiration from the animal kingdom? How can you incorporate this into your art?
• How can you express the cultural or personal significance of the animals?
• How can you explore the positive and negative aspects of the animals in your work?
• How can you use this work to express your own ideas about Self-identity, Belonging, and Becoming and/or Family: Ideal Versus Reality?

Complete the project by giving it a creative and significant title. Present your ideas to the class, or inquire about putting on a gallery and performance night where members of the community can view (and possibly purchase!) your work.

Teaching Suggestion: The purpose of this activity is to extend student learning into the arts so they can practice meaningful personal and/or cultural expression through visual mediums. Teachers are encouraged to modify this activity to suit the constraints of time, supply, and student capability. Consider allowing students to work on this project at home, if not during classroom time. You might also collaborate with other teachers (art, music, movement) to create time, space, and support for students.

Differentiation Suggestion: For advanced learners, teachers might consider requiring a written analysis alongside student artwork. Students can reflect on their creative process—what they did that worked, what they might try differently next time, and whether they feel the project is successful—in addition to explaining the symbolism and/or relevance of their choices. In place of a reflection, teachers might require a more challenging or creative written component in the form of an essay, poem, or story.