MY AMERICAN GIRLS
This film captures the joys and struggles in a year of the life of the Ortiz family, first-generation immigrants from the Dominican Republic. The film encompasses the contradictions of contemporary immigrant life.

To order a copy of the film call Filmmakers Library at 212.808.4980.

SITE CREDITS

MY AMERICAN GIRLS
Latino Studies

ACTIVITIES
Flash Activity: Latino Contributions
In this interactive activity, students will learn about the contributions Latinos have made in a wide variety of areas in the U.S.

Flash Activity: Crossword: A Word About History
A crossword about well-known Latino people and events.

This activity is also available in PDF printable format.
Download Crossword: PDF
Download Answers: PDF

LESSON PLANS
Multiple Perspectives on the Immigrant Experience
Download: HTMLPDF
Grade Level: 7-12
Subject Areas: Social Studies, Language Arts
In this lesson, students will reflect on the individual Dominican-American experiences of the Ortiz sisters in the film My American Girls, create a talk show that addresses the themes and issues of the film, and conduct research on how Latinos are portrayed in the media.

Immigration: A Vision & A Dream
Download: HTMLPDF
Grade Level: 7-12
Subject Areas: Social Studies, Language Arts
In this lesson, students will explore issues surrounding immigration, assimilation and maintenance of cultural identity.

Living Between Two Worlds
Download: HTMLPDF
Grade Level: 9-12
Subject Areas: Social Studies, Language Arts
In this lesson, students will explore issues common to all families. They will examine school, work and conflict in their lives and the lives of the family profiled in the film. They will have an opportunity to role-play solutions to school conflicts based on a series of vignettes.

RESOURCES
Web sites, local resources, suggested reading and films.
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LOCAL HEROES
Find out more about KQED Local Heroes, outstanding Latinos honored annually by KQED for commitment and contributions to the community.
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