What is the capital of Puerto Rico?
What is its main currency? What is its political status? Give students handout #1 and ask them to list the differences between Puerto Rico and U.S. states. Do they think the name ‘free associated state’ defines the situation of Puerto Rico? Opinions will vary. You can divide the class in groups and give them newspaper clippings that show different points of view on the subject. • Ask students to write an essay about the political status of Puerto Rico, and what the political option they would preference for the island: independence, statehood, or continuing as a Free Associated States. Second Period: • Where are most Puerto Ricans in the United States? Have they ever heard the term ‘Nuyorican’ before? Explain to students that the economic situation of Puerto Rico has forced many people to leave the island. Examples are the famous Tito Puente and the poet Gloria Vando. Brainstorm some more famous Puerto Ricans and Nuyoricans (Roberto Clemente, Johny Smits, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez,
