Direct students to recall the details from the story relating to Esperenza's image of the perfect home and neighborhood. Students write down what they recall. Require students to identify physical features of the house and neighborhood as well as cultural features that make up the environment. The teacher allows students to share their recollections and records the information on the board through the group collaboration.
Direct students to examine the notes listed on the board during the discussion and identify any additions that need to be made. The objective of the list is to completely identify Esperenza's perfect home. After recording additional ideas students contribute, tell students they will be using this information to create a house for sale on Mango Street, one that represents Esperenza's perfect home.
Distribute samples of newspaper real estate sections, homes for sale booklets, real estate advertisements and condominium brochures for students to explore the different directions they can go in creating their advertisements. A week before the day of the lesson, make phone calls to local real estate agents requesting brochures for the project. Most companies will gladly donate brochures for educational purposes.
Provide students with blank paper, newsprint or construction paper for drafting their advertisements before transferring their ideas to the poster boards. Distribute one poster board per student (or one for each group of students, if allowing for group work) during this drafting time along with illustration tools for the students to use.
Display students' poster board advertisements across the front of the room for all students to view. Use this time as an opportunity for students to self-assess their work by requiring students to create a check list of text features such as lettering, illustrations, captions, borders, headings and subheadings.