Introducing Hispanic Heritage Month in the Classroom

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States each year from September 15 to October 15. During Hispanic Heritage Month we honor the culture and contributions of Americans with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Yes, this the time to pull out the world maps and globes but after kids understand the where, how can you help them understand the who and what?

How can you define "heritage" for young children?

Heritage is defined by Dictionary.com as "1. something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion: a heritage of poverty and suffering; a national heritage of honor, pride, and courage."

It is important for young students to understand that heritage doesn't just refer to land that passed from one generation to another. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month we are really celebrating a cultural heritage and all of the unique things and ideas that people inherit from their ancestors.

What is culture?

Culture is defined by Dictionary.com as "1. the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc." and "5. the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group."

Well that is certainly a lot for young children to swallow so I like to explain culture with a few questions on how we can learn more about a society's culture. Culture is not a concrete idea but asking these types of questions about a group's culture can help students create pictures and connections that they can relate too. Students should also realize that they too have a culture and a cultural heritage and that these ideas are not reserved for people who live far away or long ago.

• What kinds of art do they display and create?
• What kinds of books do they read and write?
• What kinds of music do they listen to and perform?
• What kinds of celebrations do they honor?
• What kinds of clothes do they wear?
• What kinds of foods do they prepare?

Hispanic Heritage Month isn't all about studying past cultures. The point is to celebrate Americans of Hispanic decent that have made contributions to our own culture.

Here's a list of Hispanic Americans of note that students can research, read and write about.

• Rita Heyworth, actress
• Rita Moreno, actress
• Severo Ochoa, Nobel Peace Prize Winner
• Celia Cruz, singer
• Admiral David G. Farragut, United States Navy
• Dennis Chavez, United States Senator from New Mexico
• Desi Arnez, musician, actor, producer
• Diego Rivera, artist
• Pam Numoz Ryan, writer
• Frida Kahlo, artist

Pictures and short biographies or fun facts about these Hispanic Americans are a great way to decorate bulletin boards for Hispanic Heritage Month and let students share what they've learned with each other.