Are you looking for Hispanic Heritage Month activities for the classroom?
As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s a great opportunity for us teachers to celebrate the diverse cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. For bilingual and dual language classrooms in particular, there are a variety of ways to incorporate Hispanic Heritage Month activities into your curriculum and classroom environment.
I’ve curated 6 fun and inclusive Hispanic Heritage Month activities that you can use in any class, but wherever possible I added bilingual and Spanish resources because as a dual language teacher I know how difficult it can be to find Spanish resources!
However, if you’re looking for a ready-made option, check out my Hispanic Heritage Month Reading Passages bundle here or by clicking the image below.
This Hispanic Heritage Month bundle includes 60 reading passages (30 in English and 30 in Spanish) about Latinx historical figures as well as 18 different Latino countries with 5 comprehension questions per passage. It can be used as a low-prep print-and-go or you can seamlessly and conveniently assign the digital version in Google Slides.
Here are a few activities you can do in your classroom for Hispanic Heritage Month.
1: Learn about Hispanic and Latinx leaders and historical figures
Introduce your students to Hispanic and Latinx leaders and historical figures who have made significant contributions to society. This can be an excellent method for motivating and empowering students while also fostering cultural awareness and comprehension.
If you’re looking for a ready-made option, I have reading passages available in both Spanish & English or a bilingual bundle with both. These reading passages are no prep and can be used as a print-and-go or assigned digitally via Google slides. You can find those here or by clicking on the image below.
2: Read and discuss books by Hispanic and Latinx authors
Latinx authors into your classroom library and read them aloud to your students. This can be a great way to introduce students to different perspectives and experiences while also promoting language development.
Click here to read Hispanic Heritage Month Picture Books for a full list of 10 books perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month.
3: Explore Hispanic and Latinx art and music
Bring the joy and liveliness of Latino culture into your classroom through art and music. This can be a great way to expose students to different art forms and musical styles, while also introducing them to important cultural traditions.
One idea that comes to mind is teaching students about Huichol yarn art, like in the picture below.
Students can then create their own art in a similar style using yarn and glue. They should draw their images first in pencil, trace with glue, then lay the yarn on top.
You might also choose to sing traditional folk songs, such as De colores from Mexico or El Tambor de la AlegrÃa from Panama.
4: Study Hispanic and Latin American Countries
One fantastic way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America is to introduce your students to the countries. You could have students report and present on different countries or simply read about them.
5: Celebrate with traditional food
Host a Hispanic Heritage Month potluck where students can bring in traditional dishes to share with their classmates. This can be a fun and delicious way to celebrate and learn about different cultures.
6: Create a bilingual or dual language display
Create a bulletin board or display in your classroom that highlights different aspects of Hispanic and Latinx cultures, such as traditional clothing, food, music, and art. This can be a great way to promote cultural awareness and understanding while also supporting language development in bilingual and dual language classrooms.
Get ready for Hispanic Heritage Month!
By incorporating these activities and others into your classroom, you can help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and promote cultural awareness and understanding in your students. Whether you teach in a Spanish bilingual or dual immersion classroom, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and honor the rich and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Save yourself some time and download the Hispanic Heritage Month Reading Bundle.
