Peer Review

Los Cuentos de mi Tia Panchita

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Reviewed:: Apr 27, 2008 by World Languages

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Overview:: The modules in this site contain the works of the Costa Rican writer, Carmen Lyra (María Isabel Carvajal) Her Cuentos are considered classics in Costa Rican and Central American childrens literature. The twenty three stories contain rich poetic language and are representative of the imagination and traditions of Central American countries. The texts are well written and contain fantastic images enhanced with classical music. This electronic edition is based on the original works published in 1920 and it has the original illustrations of Juan Manuel Sanchez. The general objective of the modules is to expose one to childrens literature and language.
Type of Material:: Classical children stories from Central America with intermediate-level language to teach Spanish to high school and beginning and intermediate-level college students. Since the stories contain most of the Spanish verb tenses, instructors could use them to teach both culture and language.
Recommended Uses:: The material is ideal for native speakers and most students of Spanish. Educators could also use the stories to illustrate cultural traditions. They could be assigned to intermediate-level Spanish students for independent reading. Beginning students would need more guidance, but they would be able to understand the gist of the stories. Members of the general public interested in Hispanic culture could also enjoy the stories.
Technical Requirements:: Internet access
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The intended use of these modules is to teach language through literature. The stories are written in intermediate-level Spanish and use both music and animation to keep students engaged. Another goal of the stories is to teach the culture and traditions of Central American counties.
Target Student Population:: The target population is native speakers, high school students, and beginning and intermediate college-level students. The use of intermediate-level language combined with the music of Fredric Chopin renders the texts both accessible and enjoyable. Educators can use some of the stories to teach the culture of Central America.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Knowledge of elementary to intermediate-level Spanish and basic computer skills to navigate the World Wide Web.

Content Quality

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Strengths:: The site has twenty three classic children stories related to the culture and traditions of Central American countries. The illustrations and music that accompany the narrations are pleasant and keep the students engaged. Reading the stories facilitates language acquisition. For native speakers and advanced students, the narration is a delight to read and the music makes it even more enjoyable. Content is correct and stories are very endearing. The site has a fairy-tale feel to it. Glossing would make the site more accessible to non-native speakers.
Concerns:: It is disconcerting to see advertisements on the pages with the literature.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: In addition to enjoying the classical music and stories, students will be able to learn about the culture and traditions of Central American countries. Educators could assign one story at a time to intermediate and advanced students. Beginning students may not be able to read every word, but they will comprehend the gist of the story and will start to acquire more language.The teacher can bring this material alive for students with pre- and post-reading activities. This is a wonderful collection for reading practice.
Concerns:: Educators should be aware that these classical narratives are part of Central American cultural traditions and may include some dichos with which even advanced students may not be familiar. When a story is assigned, educators should provide a short list of idiomatic expressions and other colloquial language used in the story. Midi music is really outmoded on the web today; it would be an enhancement to provide music in another format.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The page could use an update in design. It is very spare and the fonts and backgrounds are extremely plain. Much more could be done to enhance the look and feel of the site.
Concerns:: The idiomatic expressions in the stories need to be explained before assigning any of the narratives. Educators need to be aware that students may feel overwhelmed if they are faced with too many idiomatic expressions.

Other Issues and Comments:: Educators should introduce students to the main web page and illustrate how to navigate the modules. One must not assume that all students are computer savvy. Instructors must also explain what an idiomatic expression is for those who are unfamiliar with the term. This site is an excellent tool that can be used to enhance all language classes.
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