I remember my first year as a Spanish teacher in the United States. I was also new in the country and have to admit that I had never heard of “Cinco de Mayo.” I was quietly walking into the school library when I suddenly heard “Happy Cinco de Mayo.” Happy Cinco de Mayo? What was that all about? It was another teacher wishing me the best Cinco de Mayo ever! I was so confused and asked, “What are you talking about? Cinco de Mayo?” She opened her eyes widely and told me, “I can’t believe it! You are a Spanish teacher and you don’t know anything about Cinco de Mayo?” She was so right, I didn’t know anything about it! I was so embarrassed and shyly said, “No, I don’t know anything about it.” Oh, well, it’s a Mexican celebration”, she said. And that answer was how our conversation ended.
I went to look for the other Spanish teachers in the district and they told that me they didn’t want this to be included in the curriculum, that this was a celebration filled with a lot of stereotypes, burritos, tacos and other icons that don’t even exist in the Mexican culture. As years went by, I decided that it was not to be a big part in my curriculum, that it was not even important to mention it or include other Mexican celebrations in my class. How wrong I was! Soon enough I learned that as a language teacher, it is my responsibility to help guide that young people beyond stereotypes. I heard things I am sure other Spanish teachers have heard: “El Dia de los Muertos” is like Halloween, or the Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day.
I have decided to take a more proactive role, to educate myself about other cultures and share what I know with my students. This is why, I, a Colombian Spanish teacher teaches about”El Cinco de Mayo.” I have challenged myself to take my students beyond sombreros and tacos.
All about Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo refers to the Battle of Puebla, when the French army invaded the town secretly. What is a source of pride for Mexicans, and especially those from Puebla, is that the Mexican army won with a such smaller, scrappier army than the French.
Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated nationwide in Mexico, but it’s a very big and important celebration in the town of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo in the United States is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the Mexican culture and its diversity. It is also a way to recognize the value of the Mexican presence in this country. It was actually created as a holiday in the 60’s in California for Chicanos to rally around.
I have put together a list of resources that I have found! Please, feel free to add more in the comments space:
If you are just like me who loves getting ready for the new school year in advance, you will love the big sale I am hosting at my Teachers Pay Teachers store!!!
You will find flash cards, teaching tips, coloring pages, e-books and more under $2.50!!! Hurry up! The sale ends on May 1st! All these materials are teacher created and have been tested! A lof of fun and learning are the result!
I was very excited when I received Sara’s music CD, “Más canciones en español.” My excitement took on a life of its own when I listened to her songs. What a sweet and lovely voice! It’s very nice to discover a new artist with a young voice and music that promote a fun learning environment while also teaching culture. Every day I realize there is so much talent out there 🙂 Many of the songs on Sara’s CD are traditional and bring alive diverse Mexican rhythms. Even better, this music CD is suitable for children who are just learning Spanish as a second language and children who are growing up in a bilingual environment. What a great teaching tool to have in Spanish class or at home!
One of my favorite songs is “El Dragón” which is very short and provides a lot of repetition that makes it easy to teach. Another one that is a fave – not only in my casa, but also in my classes – is “Los Pollitos.” Sara did a very nice job making this song enjoyable, inspiring children ask for it in every Spanish class.
I can’t forget to mention that my heart jumped for joy when I heard her version of one of the most beautiful traditional Andean songs in existence,“Carnavalito Humauaqueño.” This song is a “must have.” As with many of her songs, this one promotes culture and is perfect to support a unit about the Andes region. Plus, it will really get your students jumping!
This music CD is a treasure. I highly recommend it to parents and educators who are in search of beautiful songs that teach and promote cultural understanding. I am sure you will love it as much as my students and I do!
Visit my post at Bilingual Teacher Clubhouse to get this freebie! A number matching game and coloring page to review or teach numbers from 1 to 10 in Spanish!
