Zac el zorrillo aprende a pedir perdón: Book Review and Bullying Lesson For Spanish Class
As parents and teachers, bullying is one of the main problems on our minds. Zac el zorrillo aprende a pedir perdón by Misty Black and illustrated by Ana Rankovic tackles the issue head-on by way of a jokester gone too far.
Read on for a review of the book, a sample lesson plan, Spanish vocabulary, and a free anti-bullying printable. This post contains affiliate links.
Zac el zorrillo aprende a pedir perdón by Misty Black
I have been given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Zac starts by making jokes that are in poor taste, but slowly each joke crosses the line. Mocking each one of his friends, then bewildered when they feel insulted, Zac is soon left all alone. What did he do wrong? It was just a joke, right?!
An embarrassing encounter causes Zac to reflect on the pain he has caused his friends. Can he fix what he did wrong? Will his friends ever forgive him?
Readers watch as Zac’s jokes start innocently and slowly get more harmful. It’s important that kids see that progression and learn that bullies can learn to make better choices and ask for forgiveness. Readers will see that (although mistakes can’t be completely erased) there’s always something they can do to make it better.
Kids will sympathize with Zac and his friends, be able to state their opinion on whether or not Zac is a bully, and share whether they would accept Zac’s apology.
This is the second Spanish book I’ve reviewed by Misty Black, and I have to say how much these books are growing on me. Each book focuses on an essential childhood theme or lesson. Back matter includes activities that allow kids to continue digesting the message well after they’ve finished each book.
Back matter activities for this title include a letter-writing template and a step-by-step list on how to stop a bully. The activities are a perfect companion for teachers, librarians, and parents to add to their lesson plans.
Zac el zorrillo aprende a pedir perdón is essential reading for elementary-aged children. While the illustrations are geared towards younger elementary (ages 5-7), the book also serves as a great conversation starter for older elementary children (ages 8-11).
I love how this is an extra title (in Spanish!) that helps address bullying. It can be used to reinforce how we need to be kind to each other whether it’s in Spanish class, English class, or at home. I highly recommend this title for teachers, librarians, and parents of kids ages 5-11.
Available in Spanish as Zac el zorrillo aprende a pedir perdón and in English as Punk the Skunk Learns to Say Sorry.
How to Use Zac el zorrillo in Spanish Class
- Pre-teach vocabulary from the list below
- Ask students if they’ve ever made a joke they thought was funny, but that went too far: ¿Has contado un chiste que le hizo sentir mal a un amigo? ¿Qué pasó?
- Read Zac el Zorrillo aprende a pedir perdón
- Complete the back matter activities
- Go over the step-by-step list to stop bullying
- Have students draw a picture or write a letter about what they can do to stop a bully: ¿Qué puedes hacer para prevenir el acoso escolar?
Spanish Bullying Vocabulary
- bullying – el acoso escolar, bullying
- bully – acosador
- prevent bullying – prevenir el acoso escolar
- stop bullying – detener el acoso escolar
- make fun of someone – burlarse de alguien
- jokes – bromas, chistes
- Say you’re sorry – Pedir perdón
- Say “Stop!”- Di “¡Para!“
- It’s not a joke! – ¡No es broma!
- I’m sorry – Perdón
- I’m sorry – Lo siento
- I forgive you – Te perdono
- Treat your classmates well – Trata bien a tus compañeros
Want some more book recommendations? Check out another Misty Black title, Amor de abuelita, and find the best places to read Spanish Read-Alouds on YouTube!
