Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the vibrant histories, cultures, and contributions of people from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It’s an opportunity for schools and communities to honor the diverse traditions that have deeply enriched life in the United States. To help bring this celebration to life, here are five engaging activities that can be adapted for students of all ages, from kindergarten to high school.

What Does “Hispanic” Mean?

“Hispanic” refers to people with origins in Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and much of Latin America. However, it’s more than just a linguistic label—it reflects shared cultural roots and histories that stretch across countries and continents.

Understanding the Terms: Latino, Latinx, and Latine

While “Hispanic” refers to language, Latino (or Latina for women) focuses on geography, referring to people from Latin American countries, including those where languages other than Spanish, like Portuguese, are spoken. Latinx and Latine are gender-neutral alternatives, created to be more inclusive of people who don’t identify strictly as male or female.

The Theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress

This year’s theme, “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America,” highlights the significant role Hispanic and Latinx communities play in shaping the country. From science and education to the arts and business, Latinos are key contributors to America’s growth and future.

5 Engaging Activities to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Schools

Here are five fun and educational activities that can help students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while learning more about the people and cultures that make up the Hispanic community.

1. Cultural Portraits: Highlighting Hispanic Heroes

For younger students, a great way to engage with Hispanic culture is by learning about Hispanic and Latinx figures who have made an impact. Students can research someone like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor or civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. Then, they can create a portrait of that person and share a few facts about their life and contributions.

How It Helps: This activity combines creativity with education, allowing students to explore history while improving their research skills and artistic expression.

2. Latin American Music Exploration

Music is a universal way to connect with cultures. Introduce your students to different Latin American musical genres like salsa, cumbia, or mariachi. You can dive into the history behind these rhythms, explore the instruments used, and even encourage students to learn some dance moves or play along with simple percussion instruments.

How It Helps: By engaging with music, students not only learn about Hispanic cultures but also develop an appreciation for global artistic traditions.

3. Flags of Latin America: A Collaborative Classroom Mural

This activity is perfect for elementary students. Each student can select a Latin American country, research its flag, and create a replica of it. As students add their flags to a larger classroom mural, they can also share fun facts about their chosen countries, such as cultural traditions or famous landmarks.

How It Helps: This project fosters a sense of community while teaching students about geography and the rich diversity within Hispanic cultures.

4. STEM Contributions from the Latinx Community

For older students, a research project focused on the contributions of Hispanic innovators in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a powerful way to connect past achievements with future aspirations. Students can explore the work of trailblazers like Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut, or Dr. Antonia Novello, the first Hispanic woman to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. After their research, students can present their findings to the class.

How It Helps: This activity not only highlights important role models in the Latinx community but also inspires students to consider careers in STEM fields.

5. A Taste of Latin America: Celebrating Hispanic Foods

Food is one of the best ways to explore culture! Host a classroom food festival where students can bring in traditional Hispanic dishes or research a dish’s cultural significance. Foods like tamales, empanadas, or arepas can spark conversations about history, regional differences, and family traditions.

How It Helps: Sharing food builds a sense of community and provides a delicious, hands-on way for students to learn about Hispanic culture.