PARENT/TEACHER OUTLINE This outline was prepared by Rebecca Vyduna, a 3rd grade bilingual teacher in Chicago Use of the Suitcase Sleuths series, Volume I, The Magical Maya Mystery for parents, teachers, bilingual parents, and teachers of bilingual students: These suggestions are for all students regardless of culture. Suggestions written especially for engaging second generation Mexicans and Latino students in a heritage-based novel are marked with an *. I. Overview of the Series     a.  Basic Suitcase Sleuths plot                    i   Main characters descriptions                    ii   Premise for the suitcase sleuths     b. Description of main goals                    I.  For Teachers                                  1. Encourage interest in world language & culture                                  2.Exposure to common words and phrases in other languages                                  3. Provide relevant content for bilingual students*                                  4. Involve readers in a high-interest mystery                   II.  For Parents                                  1. Provide positive older role models                                  2. Model-by-example, curiosity in ones own culture and the culture of others                                  3. Illustrate positive family interactions and discussions about native culture* II. Overview of The Magical Maya Mystery      a. Main plot summary (1 paragraph)      b. Chapter-by-chapter summary (3-5 sentences for each) III. Discussion Questions with possible answers/conversation starters       a. By chapter, prediction strategies (example: What do you think Josie will do next? How will Oliver react to...? )       b. Overall (example: Do you think Josie is a good person? Why?) IV. Extension Activities       a. Further explorations and discussions of Mexican heritage and culture (write a letter to Josie about being Mexican American, etc.           by mocking format of Josie's e-mail letters to her family*. Research the Maya culture, architecture and advancements.           Research present-day Maya culture in Yucatan, Belize, and Guatemala.       b. Online options and activities. See www.suitcasesleuths.com       c. Craft projects to do at home (create a Mayan pyramid, make a huipil dress from an old white sheet and fabric paint to mock           embroidery, draw figurines of Mayan dancers, create a coral reef from clay, etc.) V. Lessons or Descriptions on Values and Character-Building     a. Kindness: Josie's treatment of colleagues     b. Courtesy: the way the characters treat strangers     c. Determination: studying for the test, preparing for the job; relate to younger brother and sister's interests in math and coral reefs     d. Respect: sleuths' reactions to Mexican culture, children's treatment of their parents and other adults     e. Fairness: Mom and Dad's treatment of their children     f. Citizenship: sleuths' pride for their own country     g. Responsibility: sleuths' commitment to righting the "wrongs," being independent of parents for their internship, taking care of one another     h. For bilingual parents, each of these above can be related to one's own culture*.