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May 5th 2008: Cinco de Mayo!
On May 5, 1862, 4,000 outnumbered Mexican soldiers defeated twice as many French soldiers. Cinco de Mayo observes the victory of Mexico over the powerful invading French army, and the day symbolizes patriotism and unity.
- Many people mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually in September.
- Nowadays, the holiday celebrates Mexican heritage, culture, food, music, dance, crafts, and customs.
Teach your children all about Cinco de Mayo with fun and educational activities:
1) Take a break for chips! Have children help you make salsa and guacamole, while introducing them to the origins of salsa.
2) Children will love playing with a piñata. All you need is a piñata filled with candy, a stick, and a blindfold. If you're feeling a little crafty, try making your own! Turn this fun activity into a valuable learning event by talking about the cultural background of the piñata. For an added twist, if you are making your own piñata, stuff it with candy as well as magnetic letters and see if kids can find the first letters of their first names once the piñata breaks open. Remember to practice good safety habits and make sure other children are out of range when each student takes a turn.
3) Play musical chairs with a soundtrack of festive Mexican music. Use the opportunity to teach kids about Mexican instruments like maracas. Put their fine motor and sensory skills to good use by showing them how to make their own paper mache maracas. Young children will have fun shaking their new musical instruments!
4) Teach your children how to count to ten in Spanish: uno, dos, tress, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez. Use this guide to help you pronounce each number. Point out that cinco means five, so Cinco de Mayo means May the 5th!
5) Instead of playing Simon Says, play Benito Juarez Says. The game's concept remains the same, but make sure to give background information on Benito Juarez, who was raised in poverty but eventually became president of Mexico with hard work and determination. Read more about Benito Juarez here.
6) Put a twist on the game of Hot Potato and use a chili pepper (a fake one to avoid any mishaps) in its place. Talk about the importance of chili peppers in Mexican cuisine. Discuss spicy food and ask students if they've ever tried it or liked it.
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