National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States each year from September 15 to October 15. The date of September 15 is significant because it marks the day that several Latin American countries attained their independence. During this important month, the histories, contributions, and cultural traditions of those whose ancestors came from Mexico, Spain, Brazil, and other Hispanic or Latino countries are taught about and celebrated. People may observe this month by learning about Hispanic and Latino cultures and individuals who have been influential and have made an impact on the world.
Build a sense of community and inclusiveness for National Hispanic Heritage Month with culturally responsive teaching units that connect students’ cultures, languages, and life experiences with their learning. These thoughtful lessons incorporate open-ended questions that invite students to share their unique viewpoints and experiences and learn from each other.
The free Evan-Moor activities below will help your children or students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through fiction and nonfiction stories that highlight different perspectives and experiences.
Culturally Responsive Lessons and Activities, Grade 2: Change Can Be Hard
This unit includes a two-page fiction story about a brother and sister whose parents are migrant farm workers. The family moves a lot, causing the kids to change schools in the middle of the school year and making it difficult to have friends. The unit includes a suggested teaching path, individual and partner activity pages, a class discussion, and a project menu.
Download this unit here:
Change Can Be Hard grade 2
(See grade two in the sampler unit)
Culturally Responsive Lessons and Activities, Grade 5: You Can Have a Blend of Cultures
This unit includes of a two-page nonfiction story about Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, an iconic, talented, and inspirational Tejano performer, singer, and fashion designer. The unit includes a suggested teaching path, individual and partner activity pages, a class discussion, and a project menu.
Download this unit here:
You Can Have a Blend
of Cultures grade 5
(See grade five in the sampler unit)
Books to Read for Ages 4–9
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina (author) and Angela Dominguez (illustrator)
This endearing tale is about the relationship between Mia and her Abuela, who comes to live with the family. Mia enjoys cooking with her grandmother, but she struggles to communicate with her. Mia and her Abuela begin to learn each other’s language.
Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte (author and illustrator)
Carlitos lives in Puerto Rico with his mother, grandmother, and Coco the cat. Even though he loves his happy, cozy home, he leaves for the capital city across the bay to find his father. During his adventures, Carlitos learns the true meaning of home.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal (author and illustrator)
Alma ponders her name and why she needs so many. Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela learns the origins of each name from her father and begins to appreciate the that she, too, will have a story to tell about her name.
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña (author) and Christian Robinson (illustrator)
This lyrical story delivers a moving story about family, dreaming, and finding hope in unexpected places. Carmela is finally old enough to join her brother as he does family errands around town. Together they travel through their neighborhood with its colorful shops and residents.
Where Are You From by Yamile Saied Méndez (author) and Jaime Kim (illustrator)
With themes of acceptance, identity, and home this book delivers a wonderful message to those who have ever felt as if they don’t belong. One little girl is always asked where she is really from. Her loving Abuelo gives her an important answer, but it’s not one she expected.
Additional resources:
Connect students’ cultures, languages, and life experiences with their learning with the help of Evan-Moor’s Culturally Responsive Lessons and Activities books.
Evan-Moor Educational Publishers