I am absolutely thankful for the wonderful cultural heritage I was born into! I love our Hispanic family values that carry on from one Latin American country to another and they were firmly established in my home from very early on: family day on Sundays, respecting our elders/parents, love for God, strong work ethic, slow pace of life, loyalty and honor, unexplainable love and respect for your mother…. When I was younger I took for granted all of the amazing things our culture had to offer because I was so busy trying to fit in with the rest of the U.S. culture.
I remember going through a phase where I pretended not to know Spanish. It never struck me that I would never fit in with my “Breakfast Club” friends who had red or blond hair, freckles and blue eyes. Maybe people wouldn’t notice my creamy brown skin, dark, long, thick hair and not so pretty dark brown side burns. There was no hiding my heritage not even by saying “no hablo español,” you still knew I was not in any shape or form like “mis amigas.”
One day I was standing in line at the store waiting to pay for something and the lady in front of me didn’t speak English, she was obviously frustrated and she kept looking back at me hoping that I would help her, (but remember I was pretending I didn’t know Spanish) so I dug through my purse pretending to be busy. I couldn’t contain myself and I finally gave in and I busted out with my Spanish. Everyone around me commended me for being bilingual and for not being ashamed to use my Spanish (little did they know) and from that moment on I was done with my ridiculous “no hablo español” operation. Little did I know, that in the future I would have so many more opportunities offered to me as a result of being bilingual. Not to mention, I would make tons more money then my monolingual amigas because I had a Master’s degree and spoke another language.
I grew up with mouth-watering food, lively music, amazing guac, the language of love, graceful and booty shaking dances, beautiful art and passionate people. I can go on and on but I won’t I will just share with you some of that loveliness:
(Random facts: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence day, it’s today September 16th. And Hispanic Heritage Month celebration includes all of the Hispanic countries of the World not just Mexico.)
Update! I just put together this book list on Latino Heroes that your kids will love to read! Go HERE for the list.
Make sure to follow us on via Facebook or email or Twitter.
Hispanic Heritage Month Ideas for Kids
These first 3 activities have been enjoyed by families all over Latin America for centuries!
1. Mini Tres Leches– I love how easy this tres leches mini is to make! You have to try it, one of the milks it calls for is not a typical one I am use to making my tres leches with but it made all the difference.
2. Soccer Party – There are so many great ideas on how to have a fun soccer party with activities, recipes and more!
3. 8 Creative Ways to Make a Piñata – Oh Piñatas how our kids love you! Here are 8 fun ways to make a piñata for your next party!
4. Mexican Cuff Bracelet using a baking foil pan. It also shows you a boy version of this cute bracelet. Our boys loved their “metal” bracelets.
5. Pyramids with Moon Sand – This is such a great activity for kids of all ages. Moon Sand Recipe is shared and history of the pyramids. This can be applied to any of the ruins and pyramids found al over Latin America: Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize…
6. Fried Ice Cream Balls (No frying needed!) Need I say more!
7. Mexican Flag Painting – This is such a fun activity for those little hands and it’s mess-free!
8. Popular Hispanic Nursery Rhyme – Los Pollitos Dicen Puppets – I grew up learning this song and I’ve shared it with all 3 of my boys. Free printable and song activity.
9. Metal Art (Repujado) I love how simple this craft is to make: permanent markers and foil.
10. Peruvian Bird Gourds– This is such a great idea to get our kids thinking through other countries and their art and wildlife.
11. Hispanic Folk Art – This is such a fun idea and you can adapt it to create folk art from any part of Latin America.
12. Keep Calm and Fiesta On! Printable! Here are some fun photo prop ideas and free printable!
Here are more of our favorites:
Brazilian Children’s Game -Luta de Gallo
How to Make Tissue Paper Flowers
what fun. I really cant speak spanish but do come from a mix of culture. My mom is cuban/mexican and then my dad is caucasian. I always love spending time with my spanish family. Yummy food and lots of love:-) [email protected]
Jamie, Yes, lots of love at family reunions and of course as you mentioned yummy food! Glad you stopped by!
What fun!! I hope you don’t mind if I link to this post when I do my Multicultural Monday post which will be Wednesday this week due to the Virtual Book Club for Kids. Last week I did a bunch of Daria’s Hispanic Heritage musical instruments with my daughter.
I love love love your website!!
Thanks
Lidia Polio
Lidia, Awww, thanks for sharing such a sweet note.