Communities in Virginia
Session 6: Hispanic Culture

Materials

• World map
• Books related to Hispanic culture in America
• Markers
• Brown lunch bags
• Yarn
• Tissue paper or crepe paper streamers
• Glue
• Construction paper
• Crayons
• Individually wrapped candy (at least four to five pieces per student)
• Shredded paper

Instructional Activities

1. Introduce the topic of the Hispanic ethnic group. Review what countries are considered part of the Hispanic culture. Use the world map to locate the various countries.
   
   
2. List two to three countries of Hispanic culture (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala). Explain that each country has more than one language, although they have the Spanish language in common. When people from those countries move to Virginia, they usually do not forget their own language unless they are very young when they move.
   
   
3. Read a book to students related to the Hispanic culture. Discuss the characters in the book.
   
   
4. As a class, construct a Venn diagram based on the following questions: How are Hispanics like people of other cultures in Virginia? How are they different? (Consider language, clothing, religion, holidays, types of food.) Children may notice that certain dishes Americans eat, like tacos and burritos, are originally from Hispanic countries. Note that immigrants often bring their authentic recipes with them when they come to America.
   
   
5. Invite a guest speaker to share information with students about the Hispanic culture.
   
   
6. Discuss the meaning of the word fiesta. Compare a fiesta to a birthday celebration. Brainstorm items or activities needed for a celebration. Explain to students that during a fiesta, children often participate in the piñata activity. If possible, present a model of a real piñata to students. (It is often possible to purchase these at a store specializing in party celebrations or at a large retail store.)
   
   
7. Create mini-piñatas with brown paper lunch bags. Children may use construction paper to draw, cut patterns or shapes, and glue onto the bag. Items such as tissue paper, streamers, and sequins may also be used to decorate the piñata. Have students place a few pieces of candy and shredded paper into the bag to stuff it. Use yarn to tie the bag together and to create a loop on which to hang the piñata. These piñatas may be taken home or hung up as decoration.