How It Works: 
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. This unit offers a piñata full of activities that will help teachers focus attention on the contributions of people of Hispanic heritage to the history of the United States. Today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 37 million people in the United States are of Hispanic origin. That's about ten percent of us! Teaching of the contributions of Hispanic Americans, and learning about the cultures from which they come, will be the focal point of many classroom activities and discussions in this unit. So what are you waiting full, grab hold of one of the strings and pull for a handful of special treats!

Standards:
Defines words that are related to culture, customs and traditions. Identify customs, arts, and traditions of selected groups including Hispanics. Recognize that Dade County contains a diversity of people who have contributed to its cultural heritage. Recognize and give examples of the interdependence of people in our community. Discuss the cultural traditions of members of the class. Investigate reasons for immigration. Discuss the importance of knowing about one's cultural heritage.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
10 or more 

Software Materials Used:
Internet Connection, Word Processor, Publishing Software, Multimedia projector

Keywords:
ancestors, immigrants, Hispanics, culture, traditions, celebrations, Spanish, travel guide, brochure, country, language, currency, climate, tourism, attractions

Students:
This project is suitable for the intermediate grades in elementary school and can be adapted for middle school students as well. The lessons take into consideration the different learning styles of students. Students can be grouped in order to complete projects or they can be done individually. Students will need basic skills in reading and writing as well as technology.

Overall:
This unit contains activities that teachers might use to explore Hispanic heritage. But these activities -- which touch on the people, the statistics, the Internet resources -- are just the tip of the tortilla. Feel free to pick and choose, and (by all means!) to adapt these ideas in any way. Use these activities as a jumping-off point for a real fiesta celebrating and honoring the contributions of Hispanic Americans! Buena suerte!

Tips:
Conduct basic training on Internet navigation prior to beginning unit. Check all links to make sure they are still active. Have all printables ready for students. Share the rubrics provided for each project so that students are well aware of expectations.

About the Teacher: 
Rosa M. Sampedro has been teaching in the Miami-Dade Public School System for 19 years. She received her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Florida International University. She is the Technology Specialist and Activity Director. She is also the Parent Trainer and School Site Coordinator for the Citibank FamilyTech program in her school. She is currently the Lead Teacher for the "I Choose" Dual Language Program at Lorah Park Elementary School.

Subjects:  
Social Studies & Foreign Language

Grade Levels: 
3 - 9