Symbolic Migration Lesson 3: What is An Ambassador? Background An ambassador is a goodwill representative or messenger. The symbolic paper monarchs that U.S. students send to Mexican students are ambassadors that carry messages. Each symbolic monarch represents its creator and his or her interests, friendship, and appreciation for the role the Mexican people play in monarch conservation. Overview: Students define and list qualities of an ambassador. Through role-playing, they practice the art of ambassadorship. Learning the language of diplomacy will prepare them to write meaningful messages on their symbolic monarchs. Activity Ask, How would you define the word "ambassador?" Document students' ideas, discuss them, and try to come up with a class definition. Then look up the word in a dictionary. Ask, How does this compare with our definition? Finally, have the class come up with a list of qualities they think ambassadors need to do their jobs well (e.g., being open-minded). Give students a chance to practice ambassadorship. Share the following scenario: Imagine your family has just moved to a new place. The neighbors watch curiously as you unload your two dogs and the sled they pull through the snow. They wonder about this because it never snows here. Later the neighbors arrive at your doorstep with a gift of homemade cookies to welcome you. What happens next? As a class, brainstorm a list of characteristics of good neighbors. Then divide students into working groups to prepare role-plays about the welcome scene and what happens next in the scenario above. Ask them to think about the thoughts and feelings of both families. As the groups share their plays, ask the class to look for the following things: Did the neighbors use courteous words? Were their facial expressions and gestures friendly? Were they respectful in their curiosity? Did any group creatively discuss the use of the sled and dogs in the warmer climate and new neighborhood? Discussion Questions like these will help students see what good neighbors have in common with ambassadors: The new neighbors in the role-plays brought their experiences and lifestyles with them to their new neighborhood. How is moving to a new neighborhood like being an ambassador to another country? Have you ever done something to create good relationships with your neighbors? Describe it. Have your neighbors ever been inconsiderate? How did that feel? Do you and your neighbors share any natural resources (e.g., trees, birds)? Do you share concerns about or care for the resources? If not, why not? Give examples. Making Connections Explain that the symbolic butterflies are our "ambassadors" to the children of Mexico. Ask, What kinds of messages could we write that would communicate gratitude, friendship, and respect to the monarchs' winter hosts? Extensions How many foreign government ambassadors live in your country? How could you find out? Name the countries they come from. Where do the ambassadors live? Choose an ambassador from your country and learn about his or her job. Facebook Pinterest Twitter © 1997 – 2019 Journey North. All rights reserved.