Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to keep kids connected to their cultural traditions while learning about new ones. Teaching children about different cultures and traditions is a fun way to show kids that people from different parts of the world are the same and different. Ultimately, celebrating Hispanic Heritage at home or school helps children build an appreciation, respect, and tolerance for living in a diverse world.
Commemorate Hispanic Heritage at home by reading books that resonate with your cultural traditions or discover new ones. Here are two great book recommendations: The Legend of Roberto Cofresi – A Puerto Rican Hero and The Legend of the Colombian Mermaid. After reading the books, engage the children in meaningful discussions, and culminate the event by cooking traditional Spanish dishes like Arroz con Pollo, empanadas, or tacos.
Observe Hispanic Heritage at school in multiple ways. Have children select a Spanish-speaking country and bring in artifacts from the country such as art, books, clothing, music, food, etc. In K-2, children love making dioramas, singing Spanish songs, and writing simple Spanish poems. Let the kids decorate the classroom with maps, flags, and animals. Invite the families into the classroom to watch kids make mini presentations on their country and enjoy cookies and juice.
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!