Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

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Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for us to celebrate the Hispanic community's vibrant culture, history, and contributions across the U.S. The celebration of our Hispanic heritage runs deeper than just one month out of the year or a single narrative of Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage Month is about recognizing the trailblazers who have shaped history and continue to influence the future. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlights the leaders and changemakers within the Hispanic community, whose contributions drive innovation, justice, and progress for all. 

Americans observe and celebrate dynamic intersections of Hispanic history, culture, and the vibrant communities that carry their legacies forward every year from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month is a tribute to the past and a vision for the future. 

Hispanic history is deeply rooted in diverse countries, cultures, and histories. September and October are marked by important historical holidays, such as the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras on September 15th, and Mexico's independence on September 16th. 

Since its inception in 1968 as a week-long celebration under President Lyndon Johnson, Hispanic Heritage Month was later expanded by President Reagan in 1988 to its current month-long observance. This year, we honor the pioneers—past and present—who are shaping the future for generations to come.


RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Teaching children about Hispanic Heritage Month is essential to better understand their identity and their communities. When we talk about our heritage, family history, culture, and holidays, we give children a link to their communities and a diversity of cultures. Children can learn about Hispanic Heritage Month from books and videos to museums and crafts. Below are some fun and engaging activities and resources to start the conversation with your child about the influence of Hispanic heritage on our communities.

TELEVISION

Rosie’s Rules (PBS):  

Rosie’s Rules is a children’s show that “aims to teach children concrete social studies lessons about how a community works, helping them develop an awareness of themselves as individuals and as part of a broader society. It features a comprehensive social studies framework that encompasses civics and government, geography, economics, and history by engaging, character-based narratives.” You can watch with your children on your local PBS station. 

Alma's Way (PBS):

Alma’s Way is “an engaging, modern-day animated series for children ages 4 to 6. The series stars 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of friends, family, and community members.” The show brings representation to your TV screen and tackles the topics of self and social awareness. You can watch with your children on your local PBS station. 


VIDEO RESOURCES

Join the Celebración! | Hispanic Heritage Month Original Song | Animated Music Video

Watch Nickelodeon's animated music video for "Join the Celebración" - an original song that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through icons, artists, and heroes like Frida Kahlo, Celia Cruz, and more! 

Sesame Street:¡Todos juntos! All Together Song!

Join Rosita and her Sesame Street friends as they celebrate Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month


TikTok RESOURCES

Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors has a TikTok account that’s full of useful resources for families! Here is a video about teaching language skills while also learning about culture and heritage through playing Loteria! To learn more or follow us,  To learn more or follow us, click here!

Learning Loteria with Family


BOOKS

Alma and How She Got Her Name

This children’s book discusses the intricacies of having a cultural Hispanic name and all that comes with it. The book teaches young children to have pride in their heritage by having pride in their names. 

Sofi and the Magic, Musical Mural / Sofi y el magico mural musical

This bilingual book celebrates the Hispanic heritage through art, murals, song, dance, and more. The book is written in English and Spanish and it celebrates culture through engaging and different forms of art. 

Where Are You From?/¿De Dónde Eres? 

This bilingual book focuses on family history, cultural lineage, and home. This book focuses on where the main character is from and why it’s important to know this about herself. This book is a great introduction to the concept of home and community. 

Book Recommendations from Tandem Partners in Early Learning

Books and activities are powerful ways to connect children with their heritage. Through stories and creative projects, families can explore the beauty of Hispanic culture together. Here is a list of 12 great book recommendations that discuss Hispanic heritage, identity, and culture. For some children, these books will be mirrors that reflect their backgrounds and experiences; for others, these books will be windows that open up opportunities to learn about friends and neighbors in their community.


HANDS ON ACTIVITIES

Make Your Own Colorful Papel Picado

This PBS activity is a great way to introduce iconic Hispanic imagery to your children and teach them about culture through art. The activity should only take about 30 minutes and is an easy, hands-on way to engage your child in Hispanic heritage month activities. 

Color and Discover: A Journey Through Central America

This free bilingual coloring activity goes through the alphabet using Central American words to learn more about the culture as well as other activities that increase reading, spelling, and vocabulary proficiency for children. To get more activities like this or to read more about this activity, click here.


MUSEUMS

Whether you visit a local museum or explore national landmarks, these spaces provide incredible opportunities to learn more about Hispanic heritage. Many museums across the country have engaging and fun exhibitions that are great opportunities for children to learn about Hispanic culture. Here’s a short list of some of those museums, but be sure to check out your local museums as well!