Hispanic Heritage Month: 6 Excellent Activities to Celebrate Culture and Creativity

Audio Article

Introduction to Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, honors the contributions and vibrant cultures of Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson initiated it as a week in 1968. and President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month in 1988. The timeframe starts on September 15, the independence anniversary of several Central American countries.

As of July 2021, the Hispanic population in the U.S. reached 62 million, making it the largest racial or ethnic minority at about 18.9% of the total population.

Celebratory Activities:

• Fabulous Frida Decorating Contest: Inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, children create colorful decorations for bulletin boards or classroom doors.
• DIY Piñatas: Create colorful paper-mâché piñatas filled with candy or small toys.
• Books Galore: Explore books featuring Hispanic and Latino authors.
• Mini Maracas: Craft musical instruments using beans, empty cans, and craft sticks.
• Culinary Adventures: Set up a taste-testing or lunch featuring traditional Hispanic dishes.
• Poncho Painting: Convert paper and paint into colorful ponchos, reminiscent of traditional Mexican garments.
• Virtual Tours: Explore the Molina Family Latino Gallery online.
• Geography Lessons: Color maps and flags from Spanish-speaking countries.
• Movie Time: Watch “Coco” or other Spanish-language films.
• Mayan Pyramids: Build model pyramids while learning about the Mayan civilization.
• Salsa Dancing: Learn the basic steps of salsa, mambo, and cha-cha.
• Fall Fiesta: Culminate the month with a celebration showcasing all projects.

Encourage students to share their creative ideas, photos, and videos of their Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations on social media.

1. Craft Mini Piñatas

The tradition of piñatas dates back to ancient Mesoamerica, where they were originally used in religious ceremonies. Today, they’re a staple at Hispanic celebrations.

Materials needed:

• Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
• Tissue paper in vibrant colors
• Glue
• String
• Small candies or toys for filling
• Scissors
• Markers for decoration

Instructions:

1. Seal one end of the toilet paper roll with tissue paper.
2. Fill the roll with small candies or toys.
3. Seal the other end with tissue paper.
4. Decorate by wrapping tissue paper fringes around the roll.
5. Add designs with markers.

While crafting, discuss the significance of piñatas in Hispanic celebrations. Explain how they symbolize breaking away from negativity to release the goodies inside, representing good luck and rewards.

Once finished, hang the mini piñatas in the classroom or let kids take them home to share with their families.

2. Explore Latin American Music

Introduce various genres of Latin American music, such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, tango, and mariachi. Share the origins of these styles:

• Salsa: Caribbean blend of Cuban and Puerto Rican beats with jazz
• Merengue: Lively tempo from the Dominican Republic
• Cumbia: Colombian mix of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences
• Tango: Dramatic and passionate style from Argentina
• Mariachi: Quintessentially Mexican with joyful strings and powerful voices

Encourage kids to dance to these rhythms, demonstrating simple steps like the basic salsa or tango sway. Incorporate hands-on musical activities with instruments like maracas, tambourines, or bongos. Show how these instruments contribute to the music’s rhythm.

Discuss the significance of music in Latin American cultures, explaining how it forms an integral part of festivals, family gatherings, and national celebrations.

Wrap up by encouraging kids to share their thoughts or favorite parts of the session.

3. Read Books by Hispanic Authors

Host a storytime session featuring books by Hispanic and Latino authors. Include fictional tales, folklore, and biographies.

For younger students, try picture books like “The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos” by Bob Barner or “Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book” by Yuyi Morales.

Make the session interactive by asking questions about the plot and characters. Incorporate related activities, such as crafts for festival stories or puppet shows for folklore tales.

For older students, explore biographies like “Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré” by Anika Aldamuy Denise. Discuss the significance of these individuals and their impact on communities.

Include bilingual books or stories written in English and Spanish, such as “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi or “Book Fiesta!” by Pat Mora.

"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home." – Anna Quindlen, Hispanic-American author

Create a cozy reading nook with comfy cushions, a colorful rug, and festive decorations inspired by Hispanic traditions, like papel picado or bright paper garlands.

By showcasing works of Hispanic and Latino authors, you’re celebrating their cultural heritage and fostering empathy and understanding in young minds.

4. Taste Food and Cook Simple Dishes

Exploring Hispanic cuisine is a wonderful way to immerse children in the culture. Organize a food-tasting event where kids can sample traditional dishes and even help prepare simple recipes.

Set up a buffet with items like flan, empanadas, arroz con pollo, and paletas. Display each dish with a sign explaining its name, origin, and key ingredients. This adds an educational element and sparks curiosity.

Involve the children in making some easy dishes:

• Mini Quesadillas: Provide small tortillas, cheese, and optional fillings like beans or chicken. Let kids assemble their quesadillas before cooking them on a griddle.
• Guacamole: Set out ripe avocados, lime, salt, chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Kids can mash the avocados and mix in the other ingredients.
• Fruit Paletas: Blend fruits like mango, strawberry, or pineapple with a bit of water or juice. Pour into molds and freeze for a refreshing treat.

During the cooking, discuss the cultural significance of each dish. For example, mention how tamales are traditionally made during holidays as a family activity.

Create an interactive experience by letting kids smell spices commonly used in Hispanic cooking, such as cumin, cinnamon, and chili powder. Ask them to describe the scents and guess which dishes might use those spices.

Encourage children to share their thoughts on the new dishes through a simple “taste journal” where they can write or draw their reactions.

By engaging in hands-on cooking and tasting, kids gain an enjoyable, educational experience that highlights the flavors and cultural importance of Hispanic cuisine.

5. Create Papel Picado Decorations

Papel Picado, traditional Mexican paper decorations, offer a fun way to explore Hispanic artistry while developing fine motor skills.

Gather these materials:

• Colorful tissue paper or crepe paper
• Scissors with rounded tips
• Tape or string for hanging
• A pencil
• Templates with simple designs (optional)

Explain that Papel Picado means “perforated paper” and is used in Mexico for various celebrations like Día de los Muertos and fiestas.

To start, fold a piece of tissue paper into smaller squares or rectangles. If using templates, trace the designs onto the folded paper with a pencil.

Guide the children in carefully cutting along the lines to create patterns. Encourage freehand designs for those feeling creative. Remind them to avoid cutting through the folded edges to maintain the banner’s structure.

As they work, share how Papel Picado symbolizes wind and spirit in celebrations, bringing energy and life to events.

Once finished, help the kids unfold their creations and attach them to string or ribbon to form colorful banners. Invite them to make multiple pieces for a vibrant display.

Conclude with a mini “gallery walk” where children can admire each other’s work and discuss their favorite patterns and colors.

This activity not only develops motor skills but also deepens understanding and appreciation of Mexican artistry and cultural traditions.

6. Learn Basic Spanish Words and Phrases

Introducing children to basic Spanish vocabulary through interactive games and songs is an engaging way to spark interest in Hispanic culture.

Try these fun activities:

• Language Bingo: Create bingo cards with Spanish words and their English translations. Call out words in Spanish and have kids mark the English equivalents.
• Simón Dice (Simon Says): Give instructions in Spanish like “Simón dice levántate” (Simon says stand up) to reinforce vocabulary through movement.
• Music: Use catchy songs with simple Spanish lyrics like “La Bamba” or “Los Pollitos Dicen.” Provide printed lyrics with translations and illustrations to aid comprehension.
• Dance: Combine music with movement by creating simple choreography for songs like “Cabeza, Hombros, Rodillas, y Pies” (Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes).
• Flashcards: Create cards with pictures and words for everyday items. Use them throughout the day to reinforce vocabulary.
• Word of the Day: Introduce a new Spanish word daily and use it in different contexts.
• Role-playing: Set up scenarios like a mini store (tienda) where children can practice phrases like “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?).
• Storytelling with props: Use bilingual storybooks and props to connect Spanish words with visual aids.
• Spanish Journal: Encourage kids to add new words they’ve learned and draw corresponding pictures.

Keep the environment positive and celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and interest in language learning.

By incorporating these varied activities, you create an enriching experience that introduces children to Spanish vocabulary while fostering appreciation for Hispanic cultures.

These activities blend crafts, music, food, and stories to create a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture. They offer an engaging way to educate young minds and foster understanding and appreciation of diversity.