No matter our color, ZIP code, or language, we want all our children to have a public education that imparts honesty about who we are, the integrity in how we treat each other, and the freedom to pursue our dreams. Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time for those of Hispanic and Latino descent to celebrate their cultural roots but also an occasion for people from all backgrounds to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latino cultures.
Throughout our history, Hispanic and Latino communities have left an indelible mark on the fields of art, music, literature, science, politics, education, and countless other domains. Their enduring legacy is not only a source of pride for those who share this heritage but also a source of inspiration for all of us who recognize the power of diversity in shaping our shared humanity. This list can help you explore, learn, and celebrate the vibrant heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to our world during Hispanic Heritage Month.
1. Watch and discuss the Mendez family. Have your students watch this video about the Mendez family. Then, conduct a discussion in class. For Grades K–3, you could discuss why it’s essential to recognize the Mendez family and the actions they took that made a difference. For Grades 4–5 students, have them write a short research paper about the relevance of the Mendez family in the fight for ending segregation in schools. They could use the internet to gather relevant information, then produce and publish their writing and share it in class.
2. Learn about Carmen Lomas Garza. In this literacy activity for Grades 4–5, students listen to a text that you read aloud about Carmen Lomas Garza, a Chicana artist who shares her life story through her art. Students should set a purpose for listening, such as finding out who Garza is, what her art is like, and why she is important to learn about.
3. Create a country commercial. This collaborative social studies lesson for upper elementary allows students to research and profile an assigned Latin American country. Students create a short commercial in groups about their country to promote tourism. Through the creation of their video, students learn about their country’s landscape and culture. Plus, students get a chance to practice filming and editing videos. You can modify this lesson for Grades 6–12 by asking students to write a guide for potential tourists that includes landmarks to visit, foods to try, maps of the country, and more.
4. Read and research Chicano artwork. In this social studies activity, Grades 6–12 students research Chicano artwork from the civil rights movement and think about the messages people were trying to convey. Then, they design a poster that communicates their stance on an issue.
5. Explore the life and work of César Chávez. In this social studies activity for Grades 6–12, students explore the life and work of César Chávez. Then, they write responses to questions about this historical figure.
6. Learn about Dolores Huerta and the Delano Grape Strike. Have students learn about the work of Dolores Huerta, an influential labor activist who worked alongside César Chávez in founding the National Farm Workers Association. In this Grades 6–12 social studies activity, students take on the role of reporters set to interview Dolores Huerta and write an article all about her and her involvement in the Delano Grape Strike in California in the 1960s.
7. Launch Into Real-World Modeling with Functions. In this math activity for Grades 9 and up, students learn about Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go into space when she served as a crew member aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Then, they participate in an activity that lets them explore functions using the real-world example of a Space Shuttle launch.
8. Read Literature Written by Hispanic Authors. Explore the works of notable Hispanic authors during Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the school year. Sandra Cisneros, the Mexican American author known for her novel The House on Mango Street, is noted as a key figure in Chicano literature. Download and read her short story “Eleven” with your middle school or high school class. Panamanian American author Cristina Henriquez captures the experience of Latin American immigrants in her novel The Book of Unknown Americans. Download an excerpt of Henriquez’s novel to read and a Grades 6–8 literacy activity students can complete. The activity is available in both English and Spanish.
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