My Vicarious Jigsaw
I see the world as a vast jigsaw puzzle, with each piece representing a different culture, tradition, or way of life. Through my students, I’ve had the privilege of collecting these pieces—stories, insights, and perspectives that shape a richer, more complete picture of our world. As memory fades, I’ve decided to preserve and share these pieces here. Join me in exploring the world through English, using language as it’s meant to be used: for connection, understanding, and discovery.
Why Are Meal Times Very Late in Spain?
Guernica: Picasso’s Timeless Protest Against War
The Disadvantages of Hiring Family and Friends
The Prestige Oil Spill: Galicia’s Environmental Disaster
The Battle of Roncevaux Pass
TOPIC 1 QUESTIONS
Have you ever seen Picasso’s Guernica before? What were your first impressions?
How do you think art can be used as a form of protest?
Can you think of any modern events where art has been used to raise awareness?
What emotions do you think Guernica conveys, and why?
If you had to explain Guernica to someone who has never seen it, how would you describe it?
Do you think artists have a responsibility to comment on social and political issues? Why or why not?
Can you think of any powerful paintings, films, or books that changed how people see history?
How does war affect not just soldiers but also civilians?
If you were to create an artwork about an important historical event, what would you choose and why?
Do you prefer abstract or realistic art? Why?
TOPIC 2 QUESTIONS
What time do people usually eat lunch and dinner in your country?
How do you think meal times affect people’s daily schedules?
Do you prefer eating early or late? Why?
How important is socializing during meals in your culture?
Have you ever eaten dinner very late? What was the occasion?
How do you feel about long meal breaks during the day?
Would you like to experience Spain’s meal culture? Why or why not?
Do you think meal times should be adjusted based on work schedules?
How does your country’s climate affect when people eat?
If you traveled to Spain, would you easily adapt to their late meal times?
TOPIC 3 QUESTIONS
Have you ever heard of a major environmental disaster in your country? What happened?
Do you think governments should take more responsibility for environmental protection? Why or why not?
What do you think is the biggest environmental threat to our planet today?
How would you react if an oil spill happened near your home? What would you do?
What are some ways people can help clean up pollution in their communities?
Do you think companies should be punished more severely for environmental damage? Why or why not?
How can we prevent oil spills from happening in the future?
Have you ever volunteered for an environmental cause? If so, what was your experience like?
What is one thing you do in your daily life to help protect the environment?
If you could invent a new technology to help fight pollution, what would it be?
TOPIC 4 QUESTIONS
Have you ever worked with family or friends? How was the experience?
Do you think it’s a good idea to mix business and personal relationships? Why or why not?
What are some challenges of giving feedback to someone close to you?
How would you handle a situation where a family member is not doing their job well?
Have you ever experienced favoritism in the workplace? How did it affect you?
What are the advantages of hiring family and friends? Can they outweigh the disadvantages?
How do you think cultural differences influence family businesses in different countries?
What qualities do you think are important in a professional work environment?
If you owned a business, would you hire family and friends? Why or why not?
How would you separate work and personal life if you had to work with a close friend?
TOPIC 5 QUESTIONS
Have you ever heard of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass before? What do you think about it?
Why do you think some historical events become legends while others are forgotten?
Do you believe legends should be accurate, or is it acceptable to change history in stories?
Can you think of any similar battles or ambushes in your country’s history?
What are the advantages of knowing a landscape well in a battle or conflict?
How do you think Charlemagne’s army could have avoided the ambush?
Have you read any epic poems or historical stories? Which ones?
What role do myths and legends play in shaping a nation’s identity?
Do you think historical heroes are always as brave as the stories say? Why or why not?
If you could visit a historical battlefield, which one would you choose and why?
La Santa Compaña: Galicia’s Mysterious Procession of Souls
Ratoncito Pérez: Spain’s Tooth Fairy
Basajaun: The Mythical Protector of the Basque Forests
Nuberu: The Storm Bringer of Asturian Folklore
The Story of Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro: Spain’s Most Famous Paranormal Case
TOPIC 6 QUESTIONS
What childhood traditions did you have when you lost a tooth?
Do you think childhood myths like Ratoncito Pérez are important? Why or why not?
Can you think of a character from your culture who rewards children for something?
What do you think losing baby teeth symbolizes for a child?
If you had to create a new tradition for children, what would it be?
Have you ever written a letter to a fictional character? If so, what did you say?
How do stories and legends help children learn about life?
Do you believe it’s good to let children believe in magical creatures? Why or why not?
What is a tradition from your childhood that you still remember fondly?
If you could receive a gift from Ratoncito Pérez today, what would you ask for?
TOPIC 7 QUESTIONS
Do you know of any legends or ghost stories from your culture? What are they about?
Have you ever experienced something you couldn’t explain? What happened?
Do you believe in fate, or do you think we control our own destiny? Why?
If you saw a strange procession at night, how would you react?
Why do you think so many cultures have myths about ghosts and spirits?
What are some traditional ways people protect themselves from bad luck in your country?
Do you think telling ghost stories is just for fun, or can they serve a deeper purpose?
Have you ever been afraid to walk somewhere at night? Why?
How do myths and legends shape a country’s culture and beliefs?
If you could ask one question to a spirit, what would it be?
TOPIC 8 QUESTIONS
Are there any mythical beings in your culture that control the weather?
Have you ever experienced a sudden storm? What happened?
Do you believe nature can be both kind and destructive? Why or why not?
If you could control one type of weather, which one would it be and why?
Do you think myths like Nuberu were created to explain natural events? Why?
What do you usually do when there is a big storm in your area?
If Nuberu visited your town today, how do you think people would react?
How do you think legends about weather gods or spirits influence how people respect nature?
What is the worst storm or natural disaster you have ever experienced? How did you feel?
If you could meet Nuberu, what would you ask him?
TOPIC 9 QUESTIONS
What are some mythical creatures or folklore legends from your country?
Do you think legends like the Basajaun were inspired by real animals or people? Why or why not?
If you could meet a mythical creature, which one would you choose and why?
How do you think myths and folklore help shape a culture’s identity?
Do you believe in hidden creatures that science has yet to discover? Why or why not?
If the Basajaun were real, how do you think it would react to modern society?
What lessons can humans learn from stories about nature spirits and guardians?
Have you ever been in a forest or natural area that felt mysterious or magical? What was it like?
Why do you think humans have always created stories about powerful creatures living in nature?
If you were to create your own legend, what kind of creature or guardian would you invent?
TOPIC 10 QUESTIONS
Have you ever heard of any real-life ghost stories or paranormal cases in your country?
Do you believe in the supernatural, or do you think everything has a scientific explanation?
If you were a police officer investigating a haunted house, what would you do?
Why do you think some people are more likely to believe in ghosts than others?
Have you ever had a strange or unexplained experience? What happened?
What do you think makes a ghost story more believable or scarier?
If you could visit a famous haunted location, where would you go and why?
What role do movies and books play in shaping people’s beliefs about the supernatural?
How do different cultures view ghosts and paranormal activity? Are there any traditions related to spirits in your culture?
If you had the chance to communicate with a spirit, would you do it? Why or why not?
Shunts for Hydrocephalus: Managing Excess Brain Fluid
Female Sterilization: Tubal Ligation vs. Oophorectomy
The Iberian Lynx: A Conservation Success Story
The Frogfish: A Master of Disguise
The Reconquista: The Christian Reclaiming of Spain
TOPIC 11 QUESTIONS
What are some reasons why a woman might choose permanent contraception?
How does female sterilization compare to male sterilization (vasectomy)?
Can you think of any cultural beliefs or taboos about sterilization in your country?
How would you explain the function of the fallopian tubes to someone unfamiliar with human anatomy?
What are some possible emotional or psychological effects of undergoing sterilization?
Why might someone need to undergo an oophorectomy instead of tubal ligation?
What lifestyle changes might be necessary after a woman stops producing estrogen?
How do you think access to sterilization procedures varies across different countries?
What are some alternative long-term birth control methods besides sterilization?
How can society support individuals who undergo sterilization for medical reasons?
TOPIC 12 QUESTIONS
Have you ever heard of hydrocephalus before? What do you know about it?
Why do you think medical technology is important for treating brain conditions?
How do you feel about the idea of having a medical device implanted in your body?
What are some other medical conditions that require long-term monitoring?
Have you ever had surgery or known someone who has? What was the experience like?
Why do you think the brain is such a complex and difficult organ to treat?
What are some ways doctors and scientists could improve treatments for hydrocephalus?
If you were a doctor, how would you explain hydrocephalus to a patient or their family?
How do you think life would change for someone who has a shunt?
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in the field of neurology today?
TOPIC 13 QUESTIONS
Have you ever seen an animal that uses camouflage? What did it look like?
Why do you think some animals rely on speed while others rely on deception to catch prey?
Can you think of any animals in your country that are excellent hunters? How do they catch their food?
If you could have an animal ability like camouflage or speed, which one would you choose and why?
What are some ways people can help protect marine life from environmental threats?
Have you ever visited a coral reef or gone snorkeling? What was your experience like?
Do you think humans could ever invent a camouflage as effective as the frogfish’s? Why or why not?
What do you think is more important for survival: strength, intelligence, or adaptability? Why?
How do you feel about the balance between predator and prey in nature? Should humans intervene in these natural processes?
If you could explore the ocean and study one sea creature up close, which one would it be and why?
TOPIC 14 QUESTIONS
Have you ever seen an endangered animal in the wild or at a zoo? What was it like?
What do you think are the biggest threats to wildlife in your country?
How can individuals help protect endangered species?
Can you think of any other animals that have made a comeback thanks to conservation?
If you had to choose an animal to represent your country, which one would it be and why?
Do you think governments should spend more money on wildlife conservation? Why or why not?
Have you ever visited a national park or nature reserve? What was your experience like?
How do you think climate change affects animals and their habitats?
What would happen if predators like the Iberian lynx disappeared from their ecosystems?
If you could go on a wildlife conservation trip, where would you go and what animal would you like to see?
TOPIC 15 QUESTIONS
Can you think of other historical conflicts where different cultures or religions fought for control?
What do you think motivates people to fight for land or power?
How do you think Spain’s history would have been different if the Moors had remained in power?
What are some examples of how history still influences modern life?
Have you ever visited a historical site? What was interesting about it?
How do you think wars and conquests affect culture and language over time?
What do you think is more important in history—military strength or diplomacy? Why?
What are some ways people from different religions or cultures can live peacefully together?
Do you think it’s possible to fully erase the influence of one culture after a conquest? Why or why not?
If you could witness any historical event in person, which one would you choose and why?
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