Debunking Stereotypes

So, I've been thinking about having a theme for the entire school year. For the last few days, the thought of reading "Don Quijote" with my students has been haunting me. And, I thought, "what about 'Don Quijote'" can be of interest to 6th graders?" Well, how about debunking stereotypes? In a way, we all have them, right? In a way, we all want to get rid of them - or not? So, I sarted thinking about the two main characters in "Don Quijote". One is skinny, one is fat. Do you see the stereotypes already creeping up to your mind?? One of the characters is a little crazy, the other one is down to earth. How can such a team impact the world? And yet they did. "Don Quijote" is THE book to read in the Spanish language. It is the ultimate book about dreamers and about joining forces with people who are strong - precisely - where we are weak. It is a book with such an elevated level of Spanish mastery that it intimidates many, and yet, it has inspired many more. This book has been transformed into an Opera play, it has been tweaked to fit theater stages as a regular play and it has entertained audiences on the silver screen. But this school year, the book will be a tool to debunk stereotypes and I will do so with the help of an underestimated "caballero" - Don Quijote de la Mancha.
Here's to an amazing year!!
Cheers!
Joy Diaz