Hispanic Heritage Month is being observed this year from Sunday, September 15, 2024, to Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage school communities in recognizing and honoring the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals.
Sharing about Hispanic Heritage Month with school communities is important for some of the following reasons:
Cultural Awareness: It fosters understanding and appreciation of Hispanic cultures, histories, and contributions, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the school environment.
Representation: Highlighting Hispanic heritage helps students from these backgrounds see themselves represented in the curriculum, boosting their self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Education: It provides an opportunity to educate all students about significant historical figures, events, and cultural practices, enriching their knowledge and perspective.
Community Building: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month encourages collaboration among students, families, and educators, strengthening community ties and promoting respect for different cultures.
Encouraging Dialogue: The celebration opens up discussions about identity, race, and social justice, helping students develop critical thinking and empathy.
Inspiration: Showcasing role models and stories from Hispanic communities can inspire students to pursue their passions and understand the impact of their heritage.
Ideas for Engagement
Here are some creative ways to engage your students and school community, fostering a more inclusive and informed environment:
Class Door Decorating Contest: Organize a door decorating contest in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! Teachers can engage their students by incorporating lessons on significant figures and events. For example, Ivette Garza, a fourth-grade Dual Language Teacher at Bluebonnet Elementary, had her students participate in a "Puerta de Adivinanzas" activity. Students researched a notable individual, learning about their contributions and impact. As a family project, they created paper plate masks with clues, covering part of the printed face. Each student then presented their person to the class and challenged their peers to guess who it was. ¿Puedes adivinar estos tres?
School-Wide Displays:
Encourage campus staff, teachers, students, and parents to collaborate on a mural, bulletin board, or display to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. Consider sending home family projects, like biographies of known individuals or personal family histories, to showcase. At Bluebonnet Elementary in Round Rock, TX, a bulletin board featured pictures of famous Hispanics with descriptions of their contributions in both English and Spanish.
QR Code Research Projects:
Have students pair up to research a notable figure and create a short recording about their findings. They can generate QR codes linked to their recordings and display these alongside a photo of the individual on a bulletin board. This interactive element allows others to learn more by scanning the codes with their devices, and students can leave positive feedback on sticky notes for their peers.
Morning Broadcast Segments:
If your school has a morning broadcast, incorporate segments where students share interesting facts about Hispanic Heritage Month, notable individuals, or related cultural aspects, such as different countries, foods, and clothing. If possible, interview students from diverse backgrounds to highlight exciting traditions and stories from their home countries.
By embracing these activities, we can create a more inclusive, informed, and respectful school environment during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond. Let's honor the rich heritage and contributions of Hispanic communities together!
Have a great October!
Michelle Silva
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