The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez

The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez

Live Session: 9/23

About the story

• The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child is an autobiographical novel by Francisco Jiménez based in part on his journey from Mexico to the United States of America.

• We are reading one of many stories included in the novel. Think of it as a chapter in the book.

Personal Narrative

• This is a great example of a personal narrative

• As you read, see if you can notice clues that this story is narrative writing

What does "Migrant" mean?

• Migrant labor is work performed by people who move from place to place in search of employment.

• Migrant workers may travel within a country. They also may move from one country to another.

• Some migrants return home between jobs. Others move on, in search of more work

More about Migrant Labor

• Migrant workers’ jobs are often physically difficult. They commonly work on farms, on construction sites, in mines, or in factories.

• In North America migrant workers often harvest crops that must be picked by hand

• Today farms in many countries hire migrant workers.

Open Ended

In your own words, what is a migrant worker?

Multiple Choice

Who is the narrator of this story?

• Francisco Jimenez "Panchito"

• Roberto

• Mr. Lema

• Papa

Multiple Choice

Which sentence best describes teh short story "The Circuit"?

• It is a story about the narrator’s conflicts with his family members.

• It is a story about the experience as a migrant farm worker.

• It is a story about the narrator’s failed attempts to find work.

Multiple Choice

In “The Circuit,” how does the narrator, Panchito, feel about moving?

• He thinks that living in one place would be boring.

• He does not mind moving from place to place.

• He dislikes constantly moving from place to place.

Multiple Choice

In “The Circuit,” what does Mr. Lema do that causes Panchito to feel dizzy?

• Mr. Lema tells Panchito to introduce himself to the class.

• Mr. Lema asks Panchito to read from an English book.

• Mr. Lema suggests that Panchito is not in the right classroom.

Multiple Choice

In “The Circuit,” a school bus arrives while Panchito and Roberto are working in the fields. How do they react?

• They watch the bus wistfully.

• They shout and make faces.

• They run away and hide.

Open Ended

In 3 sentences or less, summarize the main idea of the story.

Open Ended

What possible themes are there in this story?