LESSON 3

LESSON 3
LHM – PARAGUAY Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones
Lesson 3 – “What Do You Do?”– Background Information
The History of Paraguay
European Exploration and Settlement
European Exploration and Settlement key points:
•
Search for precious metals and alternate route to the Pacific
•
Early intermarriage of Europeans and Indians, resulting in large mestizo population
In the early decades of the 1500s, at about the same time the Lutheran Reformation was rumbling across Germany, a number
of European expeditions had been made into the territory now known as Paraguay. Most were aimed at reaching the riches
of Peru or finding an alternate route into the Pacific Ocean (and Orient) other than the stormy Straits of Magellan.
Juan de Salazar de Espinosa and Gonzalo de Mendoza explored the Rio Paraguay, stopped at a fine anchorage, and began
building a fort on August 15, 1537, the Feast of the Assumption. They named the settlement Asunción. Within 20 years,
Asunción had a population of 1,500. Transcontinental shipments of silver passed through Asunción on their way from Peru
to Europe. The settlement became the nucleus of an early Spanish province (La Provincia Gigante de Indias) that encompassed
a large portion of southern South America.
In contrast to the hostile Chaco tribes living west of the Paraguay River, the Guarani tribes who lived in the region east
of the Paraguay River were hospitable and accommodating. The province’s first governor encouraged his men to marry
Indian women and give up thoughts of returning to Spain. Paraguay soon became a colony of mestizos, people of mixed
Indian and Spanish descent.
Jesuit Missions
Jesuit Missions key points:
•
Church colonies (reducciones) served as centers of development and helped stave off slavery or serfdom of the Indians
•
Helped preserve Guarani language
•
Ultimately destroyed by Brazilian slave-hunters and resentful settlers.
For more than 150 years, Jesuit missionaries organized the Guarani into highly organized settlements, or colonies, called
reducciones, in which the Guarani learned aspects of European culture, crafts, crops, and methods of cultivation. Portuguese
slave raiders brought death and dislocation, and other settlers resented the Jesuit influence. In 1767, the Jesuits were expelled
by the Spanish crown. Although the Jesuit settlements were disbanded, the Jesuits valuing the Guarani people by using their
language as a medium of instruction and by putting their language into writing has had an impact on Paraguayan life and
culture to this day. Guarani is still widely spoken and written and is an official language of Paraguay.
LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3
Independence
Independence key point:
•
Uncontested by Spanish crown
On May 17, 1811, Paraguayans overthrew their Spanish governor and declared independence. The Spanish crown declined
to contest the action. In their view, the colony was too isolated and economically insignificant to fight over.
El Supremo
El Supremo key points:
• The first in a long line of dictators
• Kept country isolated and independent
Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia ruled Paraguay as El Supremo Dictador from 1814 to 1840. Determined to keep Paraguay
independent, Francia founded a system of state socialism, sealed off the country’s borders and poured all available resources
into defense.
Lopez Dynasty and War of Triple Alliance
Lopez Dynasty and War of Triple Alliance key points:
•
Father and son ineptitude and greed
•
Disastrous war with Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina
Carlos Antonio Lopez (1790-1862) ended Paraguay’s isolation, built railways, schools, a telegraph, an iron foundry and a
shipyard. He also enriched himself and his family.
His son, Francisco Solano Lopez (1826-1870), helped lead Paraguay into catastrophe. In 1865, known as the War of the Triple
Alliance, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay vs. Paraguay, was underway. Within four years Triple Alliance forces captured Asunción.
By 1870 hundreds of thousands of Paraguayans had died, foreign troops occupied the country, and large pieces of territory were
ceded to Brazil and Argentina.
LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3
Reconstruction and the Chaco War
Reconstruction and the Chaco War key points:
•
From 1904 to 1954 Paraguay had 31 presidents
•
Chaco war with Bolivia; senseless bloodshed over barren land
After the 1865-1870 war, military officers began to replace civilians as politicians, but the pattern of dictatorial rule continued.
The Colorado (Red) Party, formed in 1887, helped re-establish the country as a sovereign state. Paraguay’s stability diminished
after 1904 when the Liberal Party ruled the nation.
Between 1904 and 1954, Paraguay had 31 presidents, most of whom were removed from office by force.
In the late 1800s Bolivia laid strong claim to the Chaco region. In the 1920s both sides installed forts in the region, and in 1932
war broke out. After a 1935 cease-fire that left no clear victor, a peace treaty awarded Paraguay three-quarters of the territory
in dispute. 40,000 Paraguayan soldiers died in the conflict.
Stroessner
Stroessner key points:
•
1954 - 1989 – longest rule in Paraguayan history
•
Repressive but predictable
The post-Chaco War period was one of upheaval. After emerging from the second bloodiest war in its history, the nation entered
a period of harsh social revolution, reaction, a civil war, and finally a series of brief, violent governments. Paraguay in 1954
was exhausted.
A military coup in 1954 removed the constitutional president and brought to power General Alfredo Stroessner. Through bogus
elections, an extensive network of informers, nearly annual declaration of martial law, and other repressive tactics, Stroessner
went on to rule Paraguay for the next 35 years, until 1989.
LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3
Transition to Democracy
Transition to Democracy key points:
•
Because Elected president fled into exile and the vice president was assassinated, the Senate president became President.
•
Government is shaky
In early 1989, General Andres Rodriguez overthrew Stroessner in a palace coup and later was elected to the presidency
unopposed. In 1993, Juan Carlos Wasmosy, a civilian, was elected president. Elected in 1998, Raul Cubas was accused of
masterminding the assassination of his vice-resident, resigned, and joined Stroessner in Brazilian exile.
Upon Cubas’ resignation, Senate president Luis Angel Gonzales became Paraguay’s president.
Paraguay Today
Paraguay today key points:
•
A series of dichotomies seems to persist in Paraguay
•
Urban (Asunción) vs. rural
•
Large estate owners vs. peasant squatters
•
Commercial farming vs. subsistence farming
•
Educated, city-based elites vs. the poor
•
Officially, Spanish became the country’s “official” language over the more popular Guarani
LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3
LHM – PARAGUAY Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones
Lesson 3 – “What Do You Do?” – Lesson Plan
James 5:13, “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”
INTERMEDIATE/UPPER (GRADES 5-8)
PRIMARY (GRADES 1-4)
PRE-KINDERGARTEN/KINDERGARTEN
BASIC INFORMATION BY LEVEL
• Housing for the majority of people is small
wood and metal shacks
• Poor water supply and lack of medical
professionals lead to many health problems
• Mate is a traditional herbal drink
served frequently
• Soups and stews of meat, vegetables,
and cheese are very common
• The official languages are Spanish and
Guarani (the language of the native Indians)
and are equally popular among the people
• Intricate lace called nanduti
is a famous handiwork
• Soccer is the most popular sport
• Housing for the majority of people is small
wood and metal shacks
• Poor water supply and lack of medical
professionals lead to many health problems
• Mate is a traditional herbal drink
served frequently
• Soups and stews of meat, vegetables,
and cheese are very common
• The official languages are Spanish and
Guarani (the language of the native Indians)
and are equally popular among the people
• Intricate lace called nanduti
is a famous handiwork
• Soccer is the most popular sport
• Housing for the majority of people is small
wood and metal shacks
• Poor water supply and lack of medical
professionals lead to many health problems
• Mate is a traditional herbal drink
served frequently
• Soups and stews of meat, vegetables,
and cheese are very common
• The official languages are Spanish and
Guarani (the language of the native Indians)
and are equally popular among the people
• Intricate lace called nanduti
is a famous handiwork
• Soccer is the most popular sport
GOALS FOR THE LESSON
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
Children will understand
and celebrate the blessings
God has provided to the
Paraguayan people
through their culture
and daily way of life.
Students will finish
coloring books
(Blackline Master 1-1)
and create and wear
nanduti lace projects,
after comparing Pablo’s
life to Maria’s.
Children will understand
and celebrate the blessings
God has provided to the
Paraguayan people
through their culture
and daily way of life.
SUGGESTED
MATERIALS
Coloring books
(Blackline Master 1-1)
Crayons
Paper doilies
Large pieces of
construction paper
Students will create woven
placemats after discovering
foods people in Paraguay eat.
Strips of construction
paper, cut into
long 1” strips
Tape
Children will understand
and celebrate the blessings
God has provided to the
Paraguayan people
through their culture
and daily way of life.
Students will prepare
a customary Paraguayan
(Chepya-cornbread) dish
while unearthing facts about the culture of Paraguay.
(Blackline Master 3-1)
Ingredients as
listed in recipe
Blackline Master 3-1 (recipe)
Blackline Master 3-2
LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3
Lesson 3 – “What Do You Do?” – Lesson Plan (cont.)
PRE-KINDERGARTEN/KINDERGARTEN
LESSON PLAN DETAILS
Say to the children: Remember, Maria told us about her cousin Pablo who lives on a farm.
He is pictured for us on page five. Pablo loves to play soccer. God has given him the ability
to play quite well, and he is a very good goalie. For this he is thankful. Maria also told us about
the fruit trees in the country. Pablo’s family has an yerba mate tree. The leaves are picked
and dried on an outdoor oven, crushed into a fine powder, and then mixed with water to
make a tea. It is a very popular drink in Paraguay. Pablo’s mom is talented in making nanduti
lace, which is often used for tablecloths, scarves, veils, or dressing up clothing.
Have the children color Pablo and the lace pattern on page six. Coloring books may be sent home today.
Place the doily on a table and cover it with a sheet of copy paper. Rub over the top of the paper with a crayon to catch the design.
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, Thank You for the many
talents and blessings You have given
Your people in Paraguay and also
here in our county. Help us to use
our talents to bring You glory. Please
help the children learn more about
Your love. Thanks for using us to
tell Your story. In the name of Jesus,
our Savior, we pray. Amen.
Make a special hat/tie to wear by using bobby pins to pin the “lace” in one’s hair or attach to a shirt.
PRIMARY (GRADES 1-4)
Cut horizontal slits in an 8” x 11” piece of construction paper, leaving an inch border
untouched on the top, bottom, and sides of the paper. Take strips of paper and weave them
over and under the slits alternating every other strip to make a weaving place mat.
Say to the children: Can you guess what children in Paraguay do for fun? Do you think they
have TVs and video games? Many children in Paraguay live in small wood or metal shacks.
The whole family lives in a single room. Even the grandparents may live with the family.
They don’t always have clean water and there is not enough medicine to help the people
so many children and parents have health problems. But people in Paraguay still have fun.
They love to play soccer and are very good at a special weaving. It is a type of lace they
call nanduti. This is a famous handiwork of the people of Paraguay.
INTERMEDIATE/UPPER (GRADES 5-8)
What do you think the most common meal is in Paraguay? (Allow the children time to guess.) Soups and stews of ground meat and vegetables are very common.
Different kinds of cheeses are also found in a Paraguayan home.
Today’s lesson will familiarize students with some aspects of the culture of Paraguay.
Share basic facts. After students prepare recipe (Blackline Master 3-1), have them do the
crossword puzzle (Blackline Master 3-2). The crossword puzzle will give students
a general look at some of the characteristics of Paraguayan culture.
Additional Facts to Surprise Students:
1. What percent of the population is literate (able to read and write)? (92%)
2. How many out of 1,000 people have a TV (173)
Ask students how #1 and #2 might be related. It might be possible that since there is little media
entertainment, individuals use books and written material much more during their free time
and for recreation. Paraguayans eat soups and stews at most meals….along with their chepya.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for all the gifts
You give to us. Allow us to share these
with the people of Paraguay. Allow
us to bring the joy we find in You to
the children in Paraguay. Give them
the knowledge that they too can be
forgiven and receive eternal life when
they believe in You as their Savior.
Amen.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for all
the gifts You give to us. Thank you
for the small things we take for
granted every day – for food, and
drink and family. Be with the
people of Paraguay as they live
each day, and allow us to bring
You to the nations. Amen.
LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3
A Taste of Paraguay
LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3 — Blackline Master 3-1
The Culture of Paraguay – ANSWER KEY
Use the clues given to fill in the crossword puzzle about the culture of Paraguay.
D
R
I
N
S H A C K
N
T
H
L A C E
E
W
T
S P A N I S H
I
L
V
T
S O C C E R
H
ACROSS
2. People in Paraguay might live in this type of small home made of wood or metal.
4. Ñandutí is a famous handiwork from the area. It is a very decorative and elaborate _____
that might be used to decorate veils, clothes, or bags.
6. One of the official languages of Paraguay is _________.
7. The most popular sport is ___________, the same as most of the world.
DOWN
1. Maté is a popular ________ like tea which can be served hot of cold.
2. Soups and ______ made from vegetables, meats, and cheeses are common at most meals.
3. Guaraní is the language of the _______ people (ones that were there when the first European explorers came)
and is equally as popular as the other official language.
5. Because there are few medical professionals and an unsanitary water supply, many people have very poor _______.
EXTRA - Try to picture yourself changing places with a young person your age from Paraguay. List three things you think you
might miss the most. List three ways that you might change for the better after spending some time in a place like this. LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3 — ANSWER KEY 3-2
The Culture of Paraguay
Use the clues given to fill in the crossword puzzle about the culture of Paraguay.
ACROSS
2. People in Paraguay might live in this type of small home made of wood or metal.
4. Ñandutí is a famous handiwork from the area. It is a very decorative and elaborate _____
that might be used to decorate veils, clothes, or bags.
6. One of the official languages of Paraguay is _________.
7. The most popular sport is ___________, the same as most of the world.
DOWN
1. Maté is a popular ________ like tea which can be served hot of cold.
2. Soups and ______ made from vegetables, meats, and cheeses are common at most meals.
3. Guaraní is the language of the _______ people (ones that were there when the first European explorers came)
and is equally as popular as the other official language.
5. Because there are few medical professionals and an unsanitary water supply, many people have very poor _______.
EXTRA - Try to picture yourself changing places with a young person your age from Paraguay. List three things you think you
might miss the most. List three ways that you might change for the better after spending some time in a place like this. LHM – PARAGUAY, LESSON 3 — Blackline Master 3-2