I spent an inordinate amount of time making these medals in honor if Hispanic Heritage Month, which started on Monday. We made a "famous Hispanic-American guessing game" for the students. Every Thursday our principal will read the clues and each class can try to guess who it is. We pick a winner on the Friday morning announcements. One for the upper grades and one for the lower grades.
Wow! I never knew this was Hispanic Heritage Month. That is embarrassing since I live in NM! Our school usually does all of our heritage events in May around Cinco de Mayo or October/November for Dia de los Muertos.
@laurielizard Too funny! It celebrates the independence of several countries in South America. I don't think anyone has ever heard of it! I'm the head of our Multicultural Committee and our principal is always dreaming up new things we need to do. Our art teacher did a really great project for Day of the Dead last year and a parent called to complain that the art teacher told the kids that "the dead come alive and we can talk to them" on that day. Of course that's not what the art teacher said, but now we can't celebrate that anymore. Which is too bad because I liked that day!
Dia de los Muertos can be scary if it isn't part of one's traditions. Sugar skulls with marigolds for eyes are haunting. One way some schools have celebrated it here (which is also endorsed by the National Hisianic Cultural Center) is to remember and study causes such as breast cancer, child hunger, child safety, natural distasters, etc. The children study the cause and make an ofrenda about the cause that will bring attention and action for the issue. Really, the day is about remembering, so remembering a cause is also worthy. Little ones can always make papel picado for the ofrenda! I will try and find a link for you!
@laurielizard I love that idea! Thank you for the link. That sounds like something I can do with some of my small groups. I'm so glad we "met" on the 365 Project -- you have great ideas!
This link has history, lesson plans, etc.