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“Mario Decides to Quit”: A Foto-novela
 This
foto-novela (story with pictures) was created as a tool to be used
in literacy
classes. Written in a 3rd - 4th grade reading level, the story is
suitable for beginning or intermediate English learners. It is
composed in a dialogue format, which facilitates classroom
participation and interaction. The dialogue is written in English
with the Spanish translation on the adjacent page. Vocabulary words
have been underlined throughout the story and placed in a box with
the Spanish translation.
The Health Belief Model was utilized in combination with the Social
Cognitive Theory in creating the foto-novela. The Health Belief
Model is a widely implemented framework made up of six constructs:
perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits,
perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The model
states an individual needs to experience these constructs in order
for behavior to change. The Social Cognitive Theory states that
through observational learning, an individual can learn a behavior
by observing another individual. We hope students reading the
foto-novela can learn from the experiences of the characters in the
story.
Also included is an instructor’s guide with activities to assist
learning and ensure comprehension. The instructor’s guide includes a
review of vocabulary words, basic comprehension questions, a word
search, a crossword puzzle, and a word matching activity the
instructor can copy and use as an entire lesson with the class.
Additionally, there is basic information on asthma, a list of
questions to initiate a class discussion on smoking and quitting,
and resources available to the instructor in need of more
information.
The goal of “Mario Decides to Quit” is to enhance the health literacy
of students while they learn to read. The story has been tailored to
the Hispanic population and focuses on asthma and the dangers of
secondhand cigarette smoke.
This foto-novela was authored by Javier Vazquez, Florida State
University MPH intern, under the supervision of Dr. Gail Bellamy,
Director of Center for Rural Health Research and Policy, and Ms.
Andrée Aubrey, Director of the Florida State University AHEC
Program. Illustrations created by Chuck McCann.
We would appreciate any feedback you may have regarding the
materials. You may e-mail
Javier Vazquez,
Ms. Andrée
Aubrey, or Dr. Gail Bellamy with your comments and/or suggestions.
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