To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), I have created an instructional unit based on my travels in central Mexico. The students will learn about art, culture, traditions, and the people of Mexico. This unit may also be used closer to the Day of the Dead (November 1 and 2), or for Cinco De Mayo (May 5).

Students will:

1. Learn important facts about Mexico
2. Identify and make an ABAB pattern
3. Make a Mexican paper cutting
4. Draw a self-portrait
5. Learn about the life and work of painter Frida Kahlo
6. Learn about bones
7. Identify the different bones that we have in our body
8. Learn about the Mexican tradition, Day of the Dead
9. Make and decorate a skeleton like the ones made in Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead

Lesson 1: Traditional Mexican Paper Cutting

Lesson 2: What Is Important to You?

Lesson 3: Dancing Skeleton Puppets

Culminating Activity

At the end of this unit, the students display their works of Mexico-inspired art, plus what they've learned about artists and traditions, in a museum-style exhibit for all to come and see. I display my students' work on tables that I place around the outer edges of the room. The students then sing songs in Spanish, including "De Colores," "Chocolate," "Buenos Dias," and "Cielindo Lindo."

Finally, the students pair off with a partner and perform the Mexican Hat Dance. When the students are finished dancing, we have our fiesta with traditional Mexican food that the parents have made! Viva la Mexico!

Supporting Books

Books for Teaching About Mexico