National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States. We use this time to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans on history and culture. It can be easier to emphasize cultures and countries that are closer, larger, and more Europeanized, but during this month, I make a special effort to showcase countries that are not usually spoken about. I research heavily to find the right stories and craft to best represent the country authentically and respectfully. These are some ideas I have worked on when creating my programs for HHM. I hope this helps.
El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana se celebra anualmente del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre en los Estados Unidos para reconocer las contribuciones y la influencia de los hispanoamericanos a la historia, la cultura y los logros para los Estados Unidos. Aunque sea más fácil enfatizar los países o las culturas mas grandes, mas cercanos, mas europeizados, intento mostrar países de los que no se han presentado mucho . Investigo mucho para encontrar las historias y el arte adecuados para representar mejor al país de manera auténtica y respetuosa. Estas son algunas ideas en las que he trabajado al crear mis programas para HHM. Espero que esto ayude.
Rosie Camargo
Ms. Rosie has developed a series of themed Storytime kits to support Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
She has shared some with us.
This kit is based around the book MARIA HAD A LITTLE LLAMA / MARIA TENÍA UNA LLAMITA.
Book:
Everyone knows about Mary and her little lamb. But do you know Maria?
With gorgeous, Peruvian-inspired illustrations and English and Spanish retellings, Angela Dominguez gives a fresh new twist to the classic rhyme. Maria and her mischievous little llama will steal your heart.
Printable:
Ms. Rosie created her own llama fact sheets. These are downloadable PDFs, in English and Spanish.
Craft:
Fiesta Llama Clothespin Craft Kit.
From a kit available from Oriental Trading.
Need more llama craft inspiration? Check out this collection put together by Kids Craft Room.
Clothespins are great for fine motor development — especially for pincer grip practice.
Using self-adhesive foam pieces will require a high level of manual dexterity and visual focus.
This kit is based around the book RAINBOW WEAVER / TEJEDORA DEL ARCOIRIS.
Book:
A young Mayan girl isn’t allowed to use her mother’s thread to weave, so, with a little ingenuity, she discovers how to repurpose plastic bags to create colorful weavings. Based on an actual recycling movement in Guatemala.
Printable:
Downloadable paper dolls and coloring pages from the illustrator’s website.
And check out these great, free, printable coloring pages that Ms. Rosie uses with her programming!
Craft:
Coin purses.
From a kit available from Oriental Trading.
Or, you can use this DIY version from See Vanessa Craft.
Lacing is great for developing fine motor skills.
Lacing helps introduce sewing concepts.
Lacing helps with visual focus.
Want to know more?
Check out Ms Rosie’s
- ENCANTO Inspired and Culturally Informed presentation and extra resources.
- Recommended books for Baby Storytime.
Ms. Rosie recommends checking out this National Hispanic Heritage Month website.
Unstereotype your Cinco De Mayo:
Note: although the following dos and don’ts are aimed at Cinco de Mayo programming, these points are great for raising awareness and promote thinking. They were originally posted on Instagram ~ Anne.
Be mindful of the day’s history
Take some time to learn more about the history of Cinco de Mayo
Use Mexican music and songs, like “De Colores.” This song is great with scarves.
Display books by Mexican authors and illustrators.
Read books with Mexican main characters.
Confuse it with Mexican Independence Day on 16 September.
Stop learning after reading this.
Use music and songs from Spain.
Have sombreros, fake mustaches, ponchos, or other shallow symbols.
Feel pressured. If this day makes you comfortable, just skip it.
”I want to thank Ms. Rosie for giving an excellent presentation explaining how to accurately represent Latin culture. I truly appreciate the efforts that she put into this presentation. I’d like to echo Ms. Rosie’s words: do your research. It is refreshing to hear Ms. Rosie explain why we should not lump Hispanic countries together just because they share the same language.
Each country has their own traditions, customs and cuisine that’s dependent on their region. Though we all have different skin colors, we are all part of the human rainbow. Ms. Rosie did an excellent job in explaining why the cookie cutter approach to celebrating Hispanic heritage is problematic when celebrating Hispanic Heritage. That is something that we all need to think about in order stop perpetuating stereotypes and by making a sincere effort accurately representing authentic Hispanic culture. Cinco De Mayo hats and Mariachi bands may have their place, but they do not represent the entire Hispanic universe. As a Puerto Rican, I thought it was nice to finally hear that. Thank you so much. Ms. Rose! Wepa!!!!
Ms. Juana
