A formal recognition of Hispanic Heritage was first declared by the U.S. Congress in 1968, to celebrate a combination of several Latin American countries' Independence Day holidays:
In 1988, the celebration was extended to a full month. It now includes Columbus Day on October 12th, and Día de la Raza - commemorating the first immigration of Hispanics to the Americas. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th - October 15th.
| September 15 | September 16 | September 18 |
|---|
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Nicaragua | Mexico | Chile |
With so many countries sharing the same holiday, it can be quite confusing to answer the question, who is Hispanic?
The word 'Hispanic' is actually a cultural or ethnic term. There is no single Hispanic nationality. Hispanics come from many races. Hispanic bloodlines include Mayan, Aztec, Spanish, Mexican, and many others. The Hispanic classification draws from more than 20 nations!
The United States Census Bureau classifies Hispanics as Americans who trace their ancestry to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, the Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America, the Dominican Republic and other Spanish cultures, regardless of race. The Bureau excludes people from countries where Spanish is not the primary language spoken--such as Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Belize and Portugal.
Latinos, Chicanos and Hispaños are among the many groups of Hispanic peoples living in the United States. The term Hispanic was created by the US Government to bring together a large and varied population. There are Indo-Hispanics and Afro-Hispanics, Cuban-Americans and Mexican-Americans, to name but a few. Some of the recognized group names in use today are:
- Hispanic - used by Cubans, Puerto Ricans and other Caribbean people who consider their cultural heritage linked to Spain.
- Latino (Latina for women) - used by descendents of Latin America (Mexico, Central America, and South America).
- Chicano (Chicana for women) - used by people of Mexican ancestry wishing to distinguish their heritage from those of other Latin American countries. The term Mexican-American is becoming a popular replacement.
- Hispaño (Hispaña for women) - used by the direct descendants of Spanish conquistadors and other Spanish settlers of the US southwest (who did not immigrate from Latin America).
Learn More About Hispanic Heritage!
- Census Facts for Hispanic Heritage Month
On June 1, 1997, there were an estimated 29.2 million Hispanics in the United States, comprising 10.9 percent of the total population. Since July 1, 1990, the Hispanic population has grown 29 percent, while the non-Hispanic White population has increased 3 percent.
- Chicano Historical Society
The Chicago Historical Society is a privately endowed, independent institution devoted to collecting, interpreting, and presenting the rich multicultural history of Chicago and Illinois, as well as selected areas of American history, to the public through exhibitions, programs,research collections, and publications.
- Great Sites for Teaching About…Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month--celebrated annually from September 15 through October 15--honors the cultural diversity and unique contributions of the Hispanic community--people in the United States who come from any of 20 different Spanish-speaking countries.
- Hispanic Americans in Histry Quiz
Match the names of famous Hispanic Americans with the reasons why they were or are famous.
- Lessons for Hispanic Heritage Month!
Hola! Each year from September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. This week, Education World offers a dozen lessons to help students learn about the cultures and contributions of people of Hispanic heritage.Included: Activities that involve students in creating glossaries, reading and writing folktales, growing foods popular in Hispanic cultures, and much more!
LESSON 1:
It's Fiesta Time!
Concepts:
You will learn about safety rules and symbols, basic food groups, ratio and percent.
Lesson:
Plan a celebration lunch during Hispanic Heritage Month. Have students prepare one or more traditional Hispanic recipes .
Use the first day for planning recipes and shopping, and a second day for preparation and eating. Younger kids will need help with cooking, while older children could prepare the meal with minimal supervision. Extend the celebration to the community. Invite other groups to join you!
Additional Resources:
- Recipes from Latin Cultures
- Rexach, Nilda Luz. The Hispanic Cookbook/La Cocina Hispano-Americana: Traditional and Modern Recipes in English and Spanish. Carol Publishing Group, 1995.
These recipes are adapted for American tastes, customs and kitchens from traditional Hispanic-American cuisine.
LESSON 2:
Hispanic Heritage Quiz
Concepts:
You will learn about countries and cultures.
Lesson:
Take an online quiz about Hispanic culture and learn some Spanish along the way! This quiz, with questions written in English and Spanish, encompasses history, sports, music, culture, and current events. See how well you do!
LESSON 3:
The Long Reach
Concepts:
You will learn about world geography and develop map skills.
Lesson:
Because formal recognition of Hispanic culture didn't take place until 1968, Hispanics are sometimes viewed as newcomers. Their history in the United States, however, is one of the longest. The two oldest colonial cities in the United States are Spanish in origin: St. Augustine in Florida (1565), and San Juan, Puerto Rico (1508).
On this worksheet locate these cities and other Spanish settled areas such as California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Louisiana and Utah. On a separate page , include a brief history of the discovery and exploration of each area before marking it.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 4:
Spanish Roots
Concepts:
You will learn about vocabulary, pronunciation, and refining dictionary skills.
Lesson:
The names of many cities, states, rivers and mountains are Spanish names. Other words such as mosquito, armadillo, banana, tomato, tornado, and hurricane have Spanish origins.
On this worksheet create theme lists (animals, food, places, etc.) of familiar words that could have come from the Spanish language. Use a dictionary to determine the original language. Hear the pronunciation of unfamiliar words.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 5:
What Does My Heritage Mean to Me?
Concepts:
You will learn about ethnic studies.
Lesson:
On the Scholastic Hispanic Heritage Web site, a number of Latino citizens discuss the importance of their Hispanic-American heritage. The discussions include ideas such as what 'heritage' means, a comparison and contrast of cultures described as Hispanic-American, and the diverse nature of the United States population. Interviewees include an astronaut, an actress, a congresswoman, an artist, a dancer, a professor, an athlete, and a scientist.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 6:
Hispanic Geography
Concepts:
You will learn about world geography.
Lesson:
After discussing the diverse cultures that make up the Hispanic classification, reinforce your childrens' understanding by having them locate all the Hispanic countries and cultures on a world map.
Locate 10 countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, the Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America, and the Dominican Republic. Create a chart of similarities and differences among the countries on this worksheet.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 7:
Spanish Influence on Texas Buildings
Concepts:
You will learn about historical and cultural contexts in art.
Lesson:
Visit the National Park Service's San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas, either by field trip or an online field trip. Discuss the style, details, and features that make these missions prime examples of Spanish architecture.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 8:
Famous Hispanics
Concepts:
You will learn about techniques of writing, biographies, history in the Americas, world history.
Lesson:
Who is Hispanic? Create a list, without researching, of as many famous Hispanics - and their accomplishments - as you can think of. Print a blank worksheet here .
Compare the list to other compilations. Discuss any discrepancies or missing figures. Have older children write a short biography on one of the names.
Additional Resources:
Article by Nancy Ooki, HLN Curriculum Development
Article © Homeschool Learning Network, All Rights Reserved.
