Magnificent Mexico
Viva Mexico! Kindergarteners show off their magnificent craft creations.
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).
OBJECTIVE
Students will:
- Learn important facts about Mexico
- Identify and make an ABAB pattern
- Make a Mexican paper cutting
- Draw a self-portrait
- Learn about the life and work of painter Frida Kahlo
- Learn about bones
- Identify the different bones that we have in our body
- Learn about the Mexican tradition, Day of the Dead
- Make and decorate a skeleton like the ones made in Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead
LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
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
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Guided Reading Content Areas Level P
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Visit the Scholastic Guided Reading Programs website for more information.
Scholastic Guided Reading Programs deliver the materials you need to help ALL students become strategic and independent readers who love to read! The programs were created and carefully leveled by Dr. Gay Su Pinnell, America's leading authority on guided reading. The instruction ali
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