🌎Hispanic Heritage Month


Hi Reader,

Next week marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 through October 15, we have a wonderful opportunity to take our students on a journey through the many countries, cultures, traditions, and stories that make up the Hispanic and Latino world. 🌎

This year’s theme is “Unidos, Somos Más” (“Together, We Are More”), reminding us that while each country and culture has its own unique traditions and history, there is so much that connects us. What better way to celebrate than by opening a passport, exploring a new place, and helping our students discover the world right from their classroom? ✈️

We Are Teachers has a fantastic list of activities to do in your classroom to celebrate. It's easy to read a book, but how about taking them on a virtual tour of Chichen Itza, cutting papel picado decorations, or make paletas (Mexican popsicles) with your students? Did you know that chocolate originated from Latin America? There's are several hot chocolate recipes (including one with cheese!) found on this list. Hopefully you can take a few of these ideas and use them in your classroom!

Book Recommendations:

Here is a list of 20 Hispanic children's picture books. There are some that I'm not familiar with but plan on seeing what I can find at the library! Below is my favorite children's book about Cuba. It's all about a family's journey to Havana in their old car, Cara Cara, and the ingenuity of the Cuban people.

Passport Adventure:

If you're looking for a Passport Adventure to do with your class during this month, take them to Havana! This lesson has kids pretending to sail to Cuba. They learn about Cuban food and explore places around Havana. It's designed for K-2 students. Use the code: HAVANA for a discount!

Let me know if you use any of these ideas or ones of your own to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. I'd love to hear about it. Have a wonderful week! ❤️

​
​

Trisha DePasquale

I show teachers how to make kids feel like they're traveling the world. I've been teaching for 20 years and have spoken at educator conferences in multiple countries. My 30+ travel lessons are made for early childhood students and cover places across the globe. 🌎

Read more from Trisha DePasquale

Hi Reader, There’s a certain kind of magic in Havana... the kind that catches your eye in its colorful streets and stays in your heart long after you’ve left. This week, my students and I “traveled” there through our imaginations and art supplies! To bring Havana to life, we studied photos of the city’s famous pastel buildings and vintage cars. Then, using chalk pastels, each student created their own scene. They used bright colors such as yellows, ocean blues, coral pinks, and mint greens...

Hi Reader, Have you ever thought about teaching your students about altitude? It's one of those real-world science topics that kids love to explore, especially when you make it hands-on and imaginative. Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca This week in my classroom, we "traveled" to Rainbow Mountain in Peru, which sits at about 17,000 feet! My students learned what it means to acclimate - to help your body adjust to thinner air at higher elevations. They pretended to "acclimate" to...

Red maple tree with the sunrise in the distance

Hi Reader, Fall is the perfect time to remind students that seasons don’t look the same everywhere. While we may be watching leaves change colors here at home, other parts of the world are experiencing completely different seasonal changes. This week, take your students on a Fall Around the World adventure! Start by showing students a world map and asking: Where do you think trees are changing colors right now? Have students make predictions and place a sticky note, marker, or digital pin on...