Inti Raymi in Spanish Class {Facebook Corner}

by | Jul 5, 2014 | Facebook Corner, Inti Raymi

Conversaciones de maestros en nuestra página de Facebook 
Angie says:
“Hola, I am trying to do a lesson plan about Inti Raymi, the sun festival in Peru. Any suggestions? I can’t find anything online. Thanks!!”

Kimberly  I don’t but I’d love to see the lesson when you get it done!

Melissa: me too – do share anything you find!

Tana Jai am also interested
Nayka:  Here is a link. I have heard of it from a Peruvian friend of mine, but I have never had the experience or opportunity to teach it…please do share your lesson, sounds like it could be awesome!!!

Fun for Early and Elementary Spanish Teachers: How about putting an offering together? It sounds like a great opportunity to talk about food in Perú

Fun for Early and Elementary Spanish Teachers: If you have a computer in your classroom, taking a virtual trip to Perú using Google Earth could be a fun way to introduce this unit.

Alison :I’d like to see what you come up with, too!

Margaret  Sounds exciting. Good luck with your resources.


Angie: Thanks for the ideas! I am so excited for this lesson plan.

Visit Fun for Spanish Teachers on Facebook for more exciting conversations like this one!

Fun For Spanish Teachers

Why I teach About Cinco de Mayo in My Spanish Class

by | May 3, 2012 | culture


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:


History and facts behind “El Día de la Batalla de Puebla” (Battle of Puebla Day)
La Batalla de Puebla
Hispanic Culture
Cinco de Mayo in History.com
Mexican Arts and Artists
Frida Kahlo at Mommy Maestra
National Museum of Arts 
Mexican Muralists 
Take a virtual trip to Mexico
Google Earth
Blogs about culture, travels and food
The Other Side of the Tortilla

 

 

Bring La Feria de Cali to your Spanish class!

by | Dec 12, 2011 | Cali, Colombia, culture




At this time of the school year we are looking for fun and quick lessons to use in our classrooms. This is very simple and provides you and your students with a window on a small piece of a very diverse culture.


Many towns and cities in Colombia have their own celebrations during the year. The last celebration of the year happens in Cali, the city where I grew up. Every year from December 25th to 30th the city hosts “La Feria de Cali“, a big celebration – like a carnival – that attracts people from different parts of the world. It is a celebration where the Caleño culture is on exhibit.  From Salsa singers to horse lovers, there are many types of people and activities to celebrate, and it appeals to people of all ages. The city is decorated with big and beautiful lights, and every neighborhood gets ready to party and celebrate before the year ends. The first day of the Feria opens with a big Cabalgata (horseback parade). When the Cabalgata ends, people fan out to different spots in the city to dance and be with friends.


Bring la feria de Cali to your Spanish class:


1. Use a map to find Colombia and then Cali. If you have access to the internet, use GoogleEarth to make it more fun and show actual pictures of Cali.

2. Show actual pictures of the Feria and the Cabalgata.
3. Invite the children to create their own horses using a coloring page or using paper to create their own.
4. Have your own Cabalgata in your classroom.
5. End the class with a Salsa lesson!

Links with information for teachers



Have fun dancing!
Carolina