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Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month with the following lessons, activities, videos, and more.
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Published: September 15, 2020 Last Updated: September 11, 2024

No matter our color, ZIP code, or language, we want all our children to have a public education that imparts honesty about who we are, the integrity in how we treat each other, and the freedom to pursue our dreams.

Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time for those of Hispanic and Latino descent to celebrate their cultural roots but also an occasion for people from all backgrounds to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latino cultures.

Despite efforts by some politicians today to whitewash history, to restrict our freedoms to teach and to learn, throughout our history, Hispanic and Latino communities have left an indelible mark on the fields of art, music, literature, science, politics, education, and countless other domains. Their enduring legacy is not only a source of pride for those who share this heritage but also a source of inspiration for all of us who recognize the power of diversity in shaping our shared humanity.

Through this list of curated resources, books, lessons, videos and activities, we invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate the vibrant heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to our world.

Lesson Plans

artist rendition of Frida Kahlo dressed in orang with flowers in her hair and butterflies

Celebrating Hispanic Art, Dance, and Holidays

These Kennedy Center lesson plans cover the contributions of Latin artists, the origins of traditional Latin dance, and the artistic and cultural traditions of Halloween and the Day of the Dead.
multicolored painted carved wooden skulls lined up side by side for Day of the Dead celebration

Diving into Hispanic History and Culture

EDSITEment offers K-12 humanities education materials in the subject areas of history and social studies, literature and language arts, foreign languages, arts, and culture. Check out these free Hispanic history and culture resources.
Astronaut Jose Hernandez in his orange space suit posing for an official portrait

Latino Americans Share Their Experiences

Students examine the challenges that three Latino Americans faced and overcame as they achieved success in their careers. This interactive lesson features playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor Judy Reyes, and astronaut José Hernández.
Cesar Chavez speaks to workers outside

Sí, se puede!": Chávez, Huerta, and the UFW

This lesson provides access to artifacts and primary sources, including EDSITEment's United Farm Workers Learning Lab collection, while also placing Chávez, Huerta, and the UFW within the context of the long civil rights movement. Grades 6-12
image of central american pictographs on black stone

Hispanic Heritage Teacher Resources

Browse through lessons for grades K-12 from the Smithsonian's Learning Lab—an interactive platform for discovering authentic digital resources from the Smithsonian's collections and creating content with online tools.
Colorful mural of several Hispanic people painted on a brick wall

Hispanic Heritage Month with the National Archives

The National Archives compiles resources from its collections to help educators recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Find relevant Teaching with Documents columns and an array of articles, online exhibits, and other source materials to bolster your lesson plans.

ACTIVITIES

Bring Hispanic Heritage Month to Life: A Collection of Resources
Interactive timelines, scavenger hunts, and other learning fun all about Hispanic Americans. Grades K-8

Colorín Colorado - Hispanic Heritage Month
Information, puzzles, biographies for English language learners. In English and Spanish. Grades K-12

24 Fun Activities to Honor Hispanic Heritage Month
We Are Teachers offers a round-up of activities to try with kids. Includes crafts, recipes, book recommendations, and more. Grades K-12

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with Recipes full of flavor Grades K-12

Learn about and make your own lotería cards Grades 4-10

Printables

Famous Hispanic Americans (K-5)
Coloring pages and hero cards for sports, science, politics, and the arts.

BACKGROUND RESOURCES

Learn more about American Latino experiences at the National Museum of the American Latino's website. Find basic information on Latino food, art, culture, Latin independence days, alongs with ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and links to exhibits and bilingual education resources.

Fact Monster - History of Hispanic Heritage Month

Day of the Dead - El Dia de los Muertos K-12 curriculum resources.

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino: Molina Family Latino Gallery
Includes exhibitions, virtual museum, and more.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Selected resources for teachers.

Articles Tagged as Latino American History from Smithsonian magazine.

Library of Congress - Hispanic Heritage Month
Images, exhibits, audio, and video.

Mexican American Migrations and Communities
Teacher Resources and ideas on how to use these these resources

Pew Research Center: Who is Hispanic?
Analysis on statistics and identity.

AUDIO & VIDEO

Hispanic History - Timeline, Resources, Stories, Videos

Spanish Movies for Kids: G- and PG-rated Titles
Each year we’re seeing more Spanish movies for kids hit the theaters and streaming services. This is a list of family-friendly Spanish movies for kids (these are great movies for Spanish class as well!)

Chicano! History of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement
This documentary series chronicles the struggle for equality and social justice of the Mexican American community in the United States from 1965 to 1975.

BackStory: After Hurricane Maria - The History of Puerto Rico and the United States (Listen to Audio)

An Interview with Author Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh, author of A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters discusses the importance of protecting the freedom to read and the need to have diverse books in our schools and libraries in our School Me podcast. Find resources and discussion questions for teaching his book at NEA's Read Across America website.

Booklists and Recommended Titles

book cover of El Cucuy is Scared Too!

Colorín Colorado

These children’s Hispanic Heritage booklists feature biography, history, cultural traditions, family stories, fun stories, and titles about growing up Latino. (K-5)
image of the cover of Cuba in My Pocket

The Latinx Kidlit Book Database

Free database offering the ability to sort by age category, genre, theme, representation featured, and more (K-12)
illustration of a Latina girl playing a guitar

Bilingual Picture Books in English and Spanish

These bilingual picture books highlight diverse cultural traditions, stories, and perspectives, making them great additions to classroom or school library collections.
my two border towns book cover

15 Picture Books That Celebrate Hispanic & Latine Heritage

Brightly's list of informative and inspiring books to recognize the wide range of voices and stories within Hispanic and Latine culture.

Join Our Movement

We ask only what is right: equal opportunity for every student, every educator, every family. At home, in school, online, in Washington–there’s a right place for all of us to make a difference.
We Are Water Protectors

Celebrate Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month

We have lesson plans, activities, resources, and recommended books to help students explore and celebrate Native American culture.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.