The House on Mango Street Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the The House on Mango Street Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

Before the Movie

What is your favorite book? Why is it your favorite?

What do you know about the book The House on Mango Street?

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:31: Why isn’t Esperanza excited about her new home on Mango Street?

Timecode 1:44: What do houses symbolize in the book?

Timecode 2:06: How is Mango Street different from a typical novel?  

Timecode 3:33: Why does Esperanza describe renaming  herself as a baptism?

Timecode 4:13: What makes Mango Street a “coming-of-age” novel?

Timecode 5:16: What are Esperanza’s dreams for her future?

After the Movie

What other “coming-of-age” books, movies, or TV shows do you know of? Explain.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.