National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place in the U.S. each year from September 15th – October 15th, celebrates the culture and history of the Latino population in the United States. The celebration begins in the middle of September to align with independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21.
This month offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture, history, and heritage with the children in your care. Below, we share some resources and playful learning suggestions to explore and enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month in your early learning classroom.
- Make piñata suncatchers using construction paper and tissue paper, and then hang them in your window for a colorful display!
- Read books featuring Hispanic and Latino authors. This G2K article from the archives features a variety of children’s books to enjoy with little ones, aged infant to pre-k.
- Make some mini maracas! A staple of Latin music, a maraca is a rattle, usually made from a gourd, that is used as a percussion instrument. Kinder Art shares ideas for making maracas using found and recycled materials such as water bottles, beans, and dried pasta.
- Get children moving to music with a salsa dance party! Check out this kid-friendly Youtube video that teaches young children the basics of salsa dancing! You might even pair this activity with a children’s book about salsa dancing, such as ¡1, 2, 3 Salsa!
- Join the Hispanic Heritage fiesta on Sesame Street with this video that explores flamenco dance, Hispanic foods, and rhyming Spanish words.
