Lesson Plan
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-10
Grades 11-12

La Casa de Mama Icha: Lesson Plan

Overview

La casa de Mama Icha is a heartwarming documentary that centers around the journey of abuela Mama Icha and her american dream to go back to her home land in Mompox, Bolívar - Colombia.  Despite all the odds, Mama Icha decides to leave her safe space in Philadelphia, USA  and follows her heart to go back to the place that saw her grow. This film by Oscar Molina, displays the struggles and hardships that a divided family has had to endure in order for them to coexist and be able to live a decent life. This lesson is meant to provide students with a deep understanding of the concept of home and it allows them to reflect on their privilege and lack of opportunities that other humans have to face in multiple latinoamerican cultures, such as Colombia.

Use this lesson to give your students a closer look at the reality that many immigrants go through when they leave their homelands behind in pursuit of a better life for them and their families. Through the documentary and this lesson, you will be able to help your class grow self awareness and mindfulness about their privileges as citizens of our country. 

Sources

Authored by:

Vanessa Taborda-Cronin

Vanessa Taborda-Cronin is a K-12 World Language certified educator. She was born and raised in Colombia where she graduated with a bachelor’s in journalism from Universidad de Pamplona in 2005. Vanessa earned her teaching license in 2012 with the Alternative Route of Certification, later she graduated with a master’s in technology and Education from University of Saint Joseph in 2018 and is currently working on her Sixth Year in school leadership and administration through Southern State University in Connecticut. 

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