What better time than Hispanic Heritage month to teach preschoolers about the meaningful contributions of people from Spanish-speaking countries?
This inspiring collection of authentic books, colorful crafts, recipes to expand food palates, and hands-on activities will provide preschoolers with bite-sized cultural highlights while keeping them engaged and having fun.
1. Teach Spanish Using Music
Combining new vocabulary with movement is a proven way to make language learning more memorable while the colorful illustrations and silly movements are sure to keep kids dancing for hours.
Learn more: Spanish Playground
2. Prepare Some Delicious Hispanic Food
These Hispanic recipes are not only kid-friendly but lots of fun to make. Your preschooler is sure to love putting their own fun twist on guacamole, nachos, and colorful dessert tacos!
Learn More: Kidspot
3. Listen to Some Latin Music
Dancing to this mix of classic Hispanic music is a great opportunity for a dance lesson incorporating some simple salsa, merengue, or cha-cha steps. It's also a great way to build motor skills while celebrating the rich sounds of Latino culture.
Learn More: Baby's Music Channel
4. Read a Book about Frida Kahlo
Frida and her Animalitos shares the story of how the prolific Mexican artist overcame the challenges of her illness while highlighting her special bond with all sorts of animals from parrots to spider monkeys.
5. Create Painted Ponchos
Kids are sure to love painting these vibrant creations and adding their own creative twist with yarn, glitter, or whatever embellishments they can dream up!
Learn more: Deep Space Sparkle
6. Make a DIY Piñata
Kids may be surprised to find how easy it is to make a pinata once they get started. Why not let them choose from tons of creative options including a disco ball, ice cream cone, or an adorable animal?
Learn more: Fun Family Crafts
7. Make a Latin American Pyramid
The history of many Hispanic countries involved the building of pyramids. This fun craft is a great opportunity to teach kids about the mud and stone used to build the Mayan pyramids and the fascinating murals found within.
Learn More: Inspired by Family Mag
8. Play a Game of Loteria
Who needs a board game when you've got Loteria? This classic party game is popular in Mexico and makes for a fun family game night idea. Preschoolers may need some help drawing and labeling the items but will definitely love all the awesome prizes they can win.
Learn More: Education.com
9. Sing Spanish Alphabet Songs
These happy songs make for such great sing-alongs that kids may not realize they're learning the Spanish alphabet!
Learn more: Bilingual Kid Spot
10. Play a Hispanic Game
The traditional Hispanic game of Mar y Tierra is a favorite playground choice for kids around the world. It's also a great way to learn simple geographic vocabulary while getting kids moving and connecting with each other.
Learn More: Spanish Playground
11. Hispanic Song Sing A Long
This collection of famous songs features catchy rhythms, repetitive lyrics, and memorable melodies. Singing also makes a great opportunity to learn about the contributions of Hispanic artists from around the world.
Learn More: Fluentu
12. Read a Bilingual Picture Book
This well-curated collection of bilingual picture books features text in English as well as Spanish, making them a wonderful way to learn new vocabulary while developing an appreciation for Latino culture.
Learn More: Read Brightly
13. Make Mexican Paletas
These yummy paletas are a favorite summer treat across Mexico. Kids can get creative choosing from all sorts of delicious combinations such as mango pineapple and cucumber mint.
Learn More: Parenting Squad
14. Make a Latin Artisan Craft
This adorable sombrero craft is easy to make, requiring only a paper plate and cup but can be enhanced with all sorts of colorful decorations to celebrate Hispanic holidays in style.
Learn More: Krokotak
15. Make Recycled Maracas
Not only are these maracas fun to make, but they are also easy instruments for kids to play, making them a great choice for jamming along to popular hits from Latino artists.
Learn More: Kinder Art
16. Try a Coloring Activity
Coloring is a calming activity that also makes a great opportunity to teach kids about the important contributions of famous Latinos, including the soccer player Pele.
Learn More: Classroom Doodles
17. Colorful Crafty Activity
These beautiful fiesta flowers are sure to add a splash of vibrant color to any family gathering or festive celebration.
Learn More: Kids Activities Blog
18. Make a Colorful Macaw Craft
The vibrant scarlet macaw lives in Mexico and Central and South America. Crafting this beautiful bird also makes a great opportunity to discuss the flora and fauna of Latin countries.
Learn More: Learn Create Love
19. Educational and Fun Activity
This incredible video series features a huge variety of tourist destinations, foods, people, and cultures across twenty-one Hispanic countries.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
20. Make Mexican Metal Art
Repujado is the process of crafting raised designed out of soft metal, popularized by Mexican artisans. Why not use some foil plates and permanent markers to make your own?
Learn More: Kids Activities Blog