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Gloria Estefan, Singer

Singing Through Struggles (Season One)

*An 826 Digital Lesson Partner

Overview

Gloria Estefan Lesson | Teaching The Thread

"Songs come from a very, very deep place, either from emotions or experiences.” - Gloria Estefan, The Thread

Gloria Estefan reflects on being raised in a Cuban family that faced challenges upon immigrating to the United States and how her unexpected journey into music served as an emotional outlet from a young age. Estefan discusses how she met her husband, explores their personal and professional dynamics, and highlights the impact of their collaboration.

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Lesson Objectives

Social Studies

* Gain new insights on growing up as a first-generation Cuban immigrant

* Put a human face on the Cold War and the consequences of Fidel Castro coming to power

* A trailblazing Cuban-American woman breaking down barriers in entertainment

English Language Arts

* Situate a coming-of-age story in the height of the Cold War

* Inspire students to tell their own coming-of-age stories

* Examine perspective taking from the point of view of one singer

* Explore the idea of purposeful work and a meaningful life

* Use this episode as evidence to write a rhetorical argument, commentary, or synthesis essay

Social Emotional Learning: By offering engaging personal narratives, students can discuss and strengthen the five SEL competencies - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Media Literacy: Students will practice media literacy skills by analyzing information, points of view, and claims made in The Thread and be able to translate these strategies with all forms of media to make more informed decisions.

Gloria Estefan Lesson | Teaching The Thread

First Take >

The "First Take" activity is a warm-up writing or conversation exercise created uniquely for The Thread to strengthen media literacy skills. Like an opening song in a musical, the first stanza of a poem, or even the first impression one person makes on another, the "First Take" asks students to reflect and share their initial thoughts and feelings about the episode’s opening and why the filmmaker and editor made these choices.

Download Gloria Estefan's lesson to access the complete "First Take" activity.

The Thread Up Close >

After watching the interview, students will debrief and discuss the life story and engage in a close read and analysis of her interview using the "Singing Through Struggles" episode and transcript.

In this lesson, the suggested close read can connect with any unit on the Cold War as Gloria Estefan’s father, José, participated in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.

Download lesson to access "The Thread Up Close" activity.

Gloria Estefan Lesson | Teaching The Thread

"Singing Through Struggles" >

In this activity students will analyze the meaning of the lesson's title before listening and closely reading one passage from the episode.

If students are inclined, they are encouraged to write a song using the title of this episode, “Singing Through Struggles,” as an inspiration.

Download lesson to access the complete "Singing Through Struggles" activity.

Resources

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826 Digital Lesson: "Singing Through Struggles"

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