Today's Classroom Activities :

Activities for Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

The theme for this year's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month is Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation.

Spanish Phrase Picture Dictionary
Students create a picture dictionary of common English phrases translated into Spanish.

Have your students weave a multicolored basket with this craft idea from Crayola. You can fill it with words that celebrate differences.

Visit the Smithsonian Latino Center's Kids Corner where they are celebrating Latino culture, spirit, and achievement in America. The Center turns a powerful spotlight on Latino heritage and culture in our country, over the past decade, the Center has been the catalyst for over 300 Latino-themed projects, from living exhibitions to live arts performances.

The Bilingual Bag by Nanette L. Avery is a middle school reading program that connects the classroom with students' families.

Nuestros Amigos by Stephanie Sheriff talks about a dual language program in a New York public school which is making great strides – and great friends – for Spanish- and English-speaking students.

Beginning Reading, Bilingually by Tina Athaide-Shannon uses strategies to help second-language students become first-rate readers of English.