Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Children
Learn About Hispanic Culture Through Art
Jul 25, 2009
Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15 and extends to October 15. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the term "Hispanic" refers to Spanish speaking people in the United States of any origin. During this time of celebration, children can recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and enjoy a fiesta of their heritage and culture through activities and art projects. Here are a few to try.
Make and Shake Those Maracas
Maracas are great instruments to accompany the rhythmic beat of Hispanic music. They are easy and fun to make with the children. For example, drop some small pebbles or aquarium gravel into an empty soda can or plastic drink bottle. Tape this shut. Fasten the can or bottle to a stick with wide masking tape (several times around). Paint the maraca with bright poster paint and then shake, shake, shake!
Make Guatemalan Worry Dolls
There is a tradition among Guatemalan children to tell their troubles to tiny yarn dolls. The children place these dolls under their pillows so that while they sleep, the dolls solve the child's problems. To make one, use a straight clothespin (not the spring type) for the doll's body. Cut a piece of a craft stick and glue this to the back of the clothespin for the arms. Now, wrap yarn from the neck down. To make the legs, wrap each side of the pin separately and tie them securely. Tie a yarn belt around this little worrier. Use markers to draw facial features and color the bottom ends as shoes.
Brown Bag Pinata
Hispanic people use pinatas during birthdays and all kinds of festive occasions. This tradition has become popular with non-Hispanic families as well.
First take brightly colored tissue paper and cut it into 3-inch wide strips. Fringe these strips. Start at the bottom of a brown grocery bag and start gluing the strips around the bag. Glue the next strip so that the fringe comes down and covers the glued area of the first strip. Layer the strips around the bag until it is completely covered. Add crepe paper streamers to hang along the sides and from the bottom of the bag.
At the top of the bag, punch holes around the top edge about 2-inches apart. Thread ribbon or heavy duty yarn through these holes. Fill the bag with small toys and candies. Pull the ribbons up securely and knot. Use these long ribbon ends to tie the pinata in a high and open area to play the game.
Blindfold the children and give them a stick (broom handle or safer yet, a plastic baseball bat) to swat and break the pinata. Gather the goodies as they fall!
Sun Tiles
The sun, "el sol", is a popular design found on tiles in Hispanic homes and buildings. Recreate these tiles on Styrofoam meat trays. Cut a large square from a meat tray and use a stylus (or ball point pen) to make a line design of the sun on this tile. Press hard enough for the design to indent into the Styrofoam. Paint this sun with a mixture of poster paints and a dash of liquid dish detergent (this helps the paint adhere to Styrofoam). Punch a hole at the top and thread a yarn loop for hanging.
Stuffed Animals or Animalitos
Animalitos (little animals) are made from handwoven cloth. The fabric is usually bright in color with stripes. The animal shapes are of dogs, rabbits, and donkeys. To make a paper replica, take white paper and cut two shapes of the same animal. Use crayons or markers to color the vibrant stripes. With the bright sides out, staple around the edges leaving an opening for stuffing. Insert cotton balls, or fiberfill material inside. Add loops of yarn for tails and a top loop for hanging. Finish stapling the animal shut. As a variation, use striped wallpaper, gift wrap paper or fabric.
Hispanic Metal Works
Hispanic metal smiths have been prized artisans for centuries. Tin can be easily shaped and then the artists paint designs onto the surface. Make a fun version by cutting a large shape from a piece of corrugated cardboard. Wrap with aluminum foil. Use a hole punch and punch holes to create a design. Or, poke holes into the shape using a large nail. Markers can be used to add vibrant colors, lines, and dots. Thread a piece of yarn for hanging.
Whether one is celebrating one's own culture or learning about someone else's when the celebration kicks off on September 15, this is a great time to have fun with these creative and educational activities.
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