Activities for Latin American History Month

Hispanic Holidays

Throw a party on the Friday of each week during Hispanic Heritage Month, but let your students plan and host each party. Divide the class into four small groups and assign each group a Hispanic holiday. Some ideas may be Cinco de mayo, La Posadas, the Day of the Dead, Guadalupe Day, La Navidad, or Three Kings Day. Have the groups research about the holiday and plan the party. Create a rubric for the party that they must follow. For example, they might need to give a short presentation about the history of the holiday to start the party. Then, they must have an example of one type of food, decorations and a game specific to the holiday. This activity is best done with older students.

Assign each student (or let them choose) the name of a famous Hispanic American. Tell them that they are to research that famous person and give an oral report on their life. Encourage them to dress up as that person and even give the report as if they are actually that person talking about their own life. Provide a rubric for grading, which might include a visual aid and written component. In addition, give the students ample time to do research, perhaps in a library or computer lab. This activity is best done with older students who can do independent research.

Most children love to hit piñatas, but not many know the history behind them. Teach your students a short lesson on piñatas and then make your own in the classroom. Blow up a large balloon, then cover it with strips of newspaper dipped in a mixture made from flour and water. Leave a small opening so that you can add candy and other goodies. Let the balloon dry, completely, then repeat the process. Once it has dried a second time, paint the balloon with tempura paints. Let the paint dry, then add paper streamers and other decorations. Use a pin to pop the balloon and stuff the piñata with candy and other small, fun treats. Go outside, hang it from a tree and let the students take turns hitting the piñata while blindfolded.

Give each student a book made with three pieces of plain paper folded and stapled together. Have them write a number on each page, starting with "1" on the inside of the cover and continuing until they reach 10. Tell them to write the Spanish word for that number. Then, have them illustrate each page with a Spanish word and the corresponding object. For example, the second page could be "dos sombreros" with a picture of two sombreros. You can also do this activity with colors. If you have advanced Spanish students, have them write a children's book in Spanish and illustrate it.