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El Chupacabras
Last updated Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Author: Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Crash McCreery
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 0399539298
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2022
Synopsis:
A long time ago, a girl named Carla lived on a goat farm with her father, Hector. One night, a goat disappeared from the farm and turned up flat as a pancake. Only one creature could do that - El Chupacabras, the goatsucker! Legend has it that El Chupacabras is a fearsome beast, but you can't believe everything you hear... and sometimes the truth is even more interesting.
Told in equal parts English and Spanish, each sentence is half-Spanish/half-English followed by a repetition of the same line translated the other way around. This mirroring technique allows the languages to intermingle equally. A fun and unique way to introduce either Spanish or English to new readers.
| Note to readers: |
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Many of the sentences in this bilingual book switch back and forth with English and Spanish words and phrases. If you are comfortable reading the Spanish words, you can read each sentence. Or if you prefer to read mostly the English parts, you will need to read part of one sentence then fill in part from another.
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We're having a magic show today at 11:15am at the lunch tables, so bring the kids back at 11:10am.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is a chupacabra? Have you ever seen one?
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What does a chupacabra look like?
Vocabulary:
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racket - noise; commotion
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destroy - to put an end to the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it.
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legend - a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated (not proven to be true).
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transform - make a thorough or dramatic change in the form or appearance.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Have you ever been on a farm?
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What type of animals would you find on a farm?
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What did Hector do for the goats?
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Who is the goat sucker?
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What did the magic dust do for the goats?
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Do you believe in magic?
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| Special activities: |
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Tons of fun! It's just a few short weeks until Halloween is celebrated. Invite the students to sit in a circle and share a scary story or favorite costume.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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