Hispanic Heritage Month: Activities and lessons to celebrate in the classroom
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important in schools?
Hispanic Heritage Month is an important opportunity in schools to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans. The month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich contributions that Hispanic and Latin Americans have made to the United States. This month not only recognizes the influence of Latin Americans on American culture, but also highlights their heritage and history. September 15 is especially significant, marking the independence days of five Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence days in September. Originally established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, the celebration was later enacted into law in 1988 as a full month.
Through engaging Heritage Month activities and lesson plans, teachers can use Flocabulary’s video lessons to explore the music, food, art, and stories that reflect Hispanic and Latino culture.
New to Flocabulary? Teachers can sign up for a trial to access our video lessons and assessment activities. Administrators can get in touch with us to learn more about unlocking the full power of Flocabulary through Flocabulary Plus.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Activities and lessons to celebrate in the classroom
Flocabulary has engaging hip-hop-infused Hispanic Heritage Month lessons that are rigorous and engaging for students. Use these projects and activities to celebrate and honor Hispanic culture and history in your curriculum—not just for the month but all year long.
In the past, Flocabulary also hosted an annual Hispanic Heritage Month rap-writing contest, where students were invited to write a rap about an event, person, or tradition tied to Hispanic culture. The winning students then had their lyrics turned into a Flocab lesson! Check out past student winners and their Hispanic Heritage Month songs, or keep reading to view their submissions listed below in the lessons.
Now, in an effort to bring all student voices together, Nearpod and Flocabulary are combining our rap-writing contests for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and AAPI Month into one! Rather than focus on a particular month, we want to highlight student voices by allowing them to use their creativity and what they’ve learned to show us what they are interested in.
Together, we hope to better inspire a range of diverse topics, unique perspectives, and creative writing opportunities for students. Stay tuned for what’s to come!
Here’s an example of the engaging videos you can find on Flocabulary!
1. Exploring Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: Champion of women’s education
In this lesson, students delve into the life and legacy of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a remarkable 17th-century scholar and nun who played a pivotal role in championing women’s education. Sor Juana, often referred to as the Mexican phoenix, defied societal norms to pursue knowledge and advocate for the rights of women in education. Through this lesson, students not only gain insights into Sor Juana’s contributions to the world of literature and education but also discover how her legacy continues to resonate in contemporary times. This exploration can also highlight the contributions of the Latino community to global literature.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2020 secondary contest winner, Jelena from Knox County, TN.
2. The journey of José Hernández, a Mexican-American astronaut
In this lesson, students embark on an exploration of the life and achievements of José Hernández, a notable American Latino astronaut with Mexican heritage. By delving into his early life and the determination that fueled his journey to becoming a NASA astronaut, students gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. Through this lesson, students can connect with the story of José Hernández, reflecting on the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving their own dreams.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2020 elementary contest winner, Stephen from Dove Schools in OK.
3. Embracing tradition: Unveiling the significance of Día de los Muertos
This lesson introduces students to the vibrant cultural celebration of Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead. Through this lesson, students explore the rich cultural significance of Día de los Muertos, emphasizing its role in honoring and remembering deceased loved ones. It invites students to delve into the cultural traditions, values, and practices that shape the Hispanic community, fostering an appreciation for the diverse heritage that underpins this celebration.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2021 secondary contest winner, Jayden from Beaufort, SC.
4. Unveiling the legacy of Luis Alvarez: Nobel Prize winner in Physics
This Hispanic Heritage Month lesson centers around the life of Luis Alvarez, a trailblazing figure who made history as the first Hispanic American to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. Students will delve into Alvarez’s scientific achievements, gaining an understanding of the groundbreaking contributions he made to the field of physics, including his influential asteroid impact theory. By learning about Luis Alvarez, students can appreciate the diversity and depth of Hispanic contributions to science, technology, and academia, while also recognizing the importance of pursuing knowledge and innovation regardless of one’s background.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2021 elementary contest winner, John from Del Mar, CA.
5. Exploring the impact and history of the Mexican Revolution
In this lesson, students delve into the complexities of the Mexican Revolution, a transformative period that reshaped Mexico from a dictatorship into a constitutional republic. They will explore the underlying causes that ignited the revolution and examine the pivotal events that impacted Mexican society and governance. This lesson offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the struggle for social justice, political reform, and the enduring spirit of revolutionaries who fought for a more equitable society in Mexico.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with Hariharan, a 6th grader from Milpitas, CA, and 2022 elementary winner of the Hispanic Heritage Month Rap Contest.
6. Empowering change: The activism of Rigoberta Menchú Tum
This Hispanic Heritage Month lesson immerses students in the life and work of Rigoberta Menchú Tum, an influential Guatemalan civil rights activist. Throughout the lesson, students gain an understanding of Menchú Tum’s remarkable achievements and her commitment to the causes of social justice and Indigenous rights in Guatemala. It invites students to connect with the broader narrative of Hispanic individuals who have been instrumental in advocating for human rights and societal equity.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with Dulce from Tuscaloosa, AL, and the 2022 winner of the Hispanic Heritage Month Rap Contest.
7. Roberto Clemente: Sports Hero and Humanitarian
In this lesson, students explore the life and achievements of Roberto Clemente, a Major League Baseball player renowned not only for his exceptional athleticism but also for his significant contributions as a mentor to baseball players from Puerto Rico and his humanitarian efforts. This lesson provides a powerful example of how excellence in one’s field can be coupled with a commitment to service and advocacy, inspiring students to consider how they can make a positive difference in their own communities.
8. Championing justice: The inspiring journey of Cesar Chavez
In this biographical lesson, students delve into the life of Cesar Chavez, an inspiring advocate for migrant workers and a prominent figure in the fight for workers’ rights. The lesson traces Chavez’s upbringing and the many challenges he faced, highlighting his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of migrant laborers. Students will explore how Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, later known as the United Farm Workers, and led impactful strikes and marches to secure fair treatment and justice for agricultural workers.
9. Exploring Frida Kahlo’s artistic expression and cultural identity
This lesson offers an in-depth exploration of the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, celebrated for her captivating self-portraits that delve into themes of cultural identity, femininity, and resilience, all conveyed through an innovative and symbol-rich style. Students will engage with Kahlo’s story in both Spanish and English, with subtitles provided for accessibility in both languages. Through this lesson, they will gain insights into Kahlo’s formative years, her marriage to the muralist Diego Rivera, and the challenges she triumphed over.
10. Dolores Huerta: Champion of change
This lesson centers on the inspirational figure of Dolores Huerta, a woman who devoted her life to fighting for a cause she passionately believed in. The lesson focuses on sixth-grade academic vocabulary words commonly encountered on state tests, enhancing students’ language skills while teaching important values. Through the story of Dolores Huerta, students learn about her unwavering commitment to social justice and her activism in various civic and political arenas. The lesson encourages students to reflect on their own values and inspires them to contemplate what they would be willing to stand up for.
Start teaching with Flocabulary
We’re so excited to see you put these Hispanic Heritage Month ideas, activities, and videos to use in your classroom to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Flocabulary offers engaging hip-hop, standards-aligned videos and lessons suitable for all K-12 subjects. These lessons not only deliver rigorous and relevant learning experiences but also authentically and actively engage students, helping them connect with the vibrant histories and contributions from across the Hispanic world.
New to Flocabulary? Teachers can sign up for a trial to access our lesson videos and assessment activities. Administrators can get in touch with us to learn more about unlocking the full power of Flocabulary through Flocabulary Plus.