"The Circuit" By: Francisco Jimenez
Francisco was born in Tlaquepaque, Mexico in 1943. Francico grew up with a family of migrant workers. He spent his childhood moving all around California.
Describe the main problem that Panchito, the main character of “The Circuit,” faced.
The main problem is he doesnt want to move to Fresno, California with his family. "The thought of having to move to Fresno and knowing what was in store for me brought tears to my eyes." (p. 24)
Compare how Panchito from “The Circuit” felt when he entered school to the time he had to leave.
Panchito was really nervous when he entered school and was happy he was going to learn how to play the trumpet from his teacher to sad because his family was going to move again. "When the bus stopped in front of the school, I felt very nervous." (p. 29) "That day I could hardly wait to get home to tell Papá and Mamá the great news." (p. 31) "I thought they were happy to see me, but when I opened the door to our shack everything we owned was neatly packed in cardboard boxes." (p. 31)
A circuit means to travel from place to place and stopping at each place at a certain time. Why do you think the author titled the story, “The Circuit”?
He titled the story "The Circuit" because Panchito and his family are moving from place to place to get money.
Picturing Perspective
Directions: After reading “The Circuit” by Francisco Jiménez, draw a picture of Panchito. Record evidence about Panchito’s feelings and thoughts about attending school in thought bubbles or bullet points. Then, record details about Panchito’s cultural background.
Answer: How did Panchito’s culture influence his perspective on attending school?
His culture didn't influence him to go to school because his family worked for money and school was just an option.
The main problem is he doesnt want to move to Fresno, California with his family. "The thought of having to move to Fresno and knowing what was in store for me brought tears to my eyes." (p. 24)
Compare how Panchito from “The Circuit” felt when he entered school to the time he had to leave.
Panchito was really nervous when he entered school and was happy he was going to learn how to play the trumpet from his teacher to sad because his family was going to move again. "When the bus stopped in front of the school, I felt very nervous." (p. 29) "That day I could hardly wait to get home to tell Papá and Mamá the great news." (p. 31) "I thought they were happy to see me, but when I opened the door to our shack everything we owned was neatly packed in cardboard boxes." (p. 31)
A circuit means to travel from place to place and stopping at each place at a certain time. Why do you think the author titled the story, “The Circuit”?
He titled the story "The Circuit" because Panchito and his family are moving from place to place to get money.
Picturing Perspective
Directions: After reading “The Circuit” by Francisco Jiménez, draw a picture of Panchito. Record evidence about Panchito’s feelings and thoughts about attending school in thought bubbles or bullet points. Then, record details about Panchito’s cultural background.
Answer: How did Panchito’s culture influence his perspective on attending school?
His culture didn't influence him to go to school because his family worked for money and school was just an option.