Monica Brown’s latest bilingual book featuring Marisol McDonald will delight children and bring a chorus of thanks from teachers and parents working with Spanish learners. Marisol McDonald and the Monster / Marisol McDonald y el monstruo is satisfying and wonderfully accessible to kids learning Spanish. In addition, the story has captivating content that children can bring into their world in various ways. See the Marisol McDonald and the Monster Spanish activities below for suggestions.
Lee & Low Books publishes Marisol McDonald and the Monster / Marisol McDonald y el monstruo. It is also available from Amazon: Marisol McDonald and the Monster / Marisol McDonald y el monstruo.
The protagonist, Marisol McDonald, is a confident, imaginative child, but she does not like monsters. Marisol considers the problem, and finds a thoughtful, creative solution. This inspiring story explores the power we have to control our imagination, and therefore the way we experience reality. The Marisol McDonald and the Monster Spanish activities below draw on Marisol’s enthusiastic approach to all aspects of her life.
Marisol McDonald and the Monster / Marisol McDonald y el monstruo is a fabulous story for Spanish learners. The short sentences with concrete language are remarkably comprehensible even for beginners. This is because the story unfolds almost entirely in a family setting, with a foundation of familiar vocabulary. Dialog also makes the story easy to follow, as Marisol has short conversations with her parents and brothers.
Marisol McDonald and the Monster / Marisol McDonald y el monstruo will soon be an integral part of many elementary Spanish programs, because there are so many ways to explore the story’s language and rich content. In a short time, you will be able to search Marisol McDonald and the Monster Spanish activities and find dozens of teacher-created materials to use with kids. For the time being, you’ll find a few suggestions and a printable activity below.
Marisol McDonald and the Monster Spanish Activities
Words that start with M
In the story, Marisol McDonald loves words that start with M, except for the word monstruo. The story lists several of her favorites. Have students think of additional M words that Marisol will like.
Initial letter activity
In the story, Marisol McDonald likes words that begin with M, like her name. Students think of words they like that start with the first letter of their name. Like Marisol, they think of one thing they do not like. For students with names that begin with K or W, suggest they use their last name, middle name, or a nickname. Download the printable activity.
Make a monster
In the story, Marisol uses her imagination and creates a monster that looks and acts the way she likes. She also makes her monster a house. Kids can make or draw a monster and the monster’s house. Use the monsters to talk about body parts and clothes. The idea is that children create an original monster they like, so put out a variety of materials and let them use their imaginations.
Find Peru in the illustrations
Marisol’s mother is Peruvian and the illustrations include many details from Peru. Ask kids to look for these details. If children aren’t familiar with images of Peru, show them photos first (Machu Picchu, fabrics, llamas, typical dress, empanadas, etc.) to give them an idea of what they will find.
Label emotions in the story
Use sticky notes with faces and words to label emotions as you read. This is an excellent activity for expanding on the story as you talk about how the different characters feel. Do this activity after you have read the story at least once.
Listening for specific words and word recognition
After you have read the story at least once, choose several words and write them in random positions on paper or a whiteboard. If you are working with beginning readers, be sure to read the words together before you start the story. Kids listen to the story and cross off words as they hear them. For pre-readers you can do this using pictures. This is a fun activity with any story, and you can also use it to practice vocabulary related to a theme.
Monica Brown has written two other wonderful books featuring Marisol McDonald. Read about them here: Spanish Stories Kids Will Love: Marisol McDonald
Disclosure: The company sent me a copy of the book to be able to write the article. All ideas and opinions are my own.
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