Have you ever heard about Napoleon the Third and his battles? The origin of this Mexican holiday, we have to reflect on the battle of the French Forces, Napoleon, and a small army of Mexican soldiers. It all took place in Puebla, Mexico in the 1800s on exactly what day, can you guess?
1. History Time
Print and read this short article about the history of “Cinco de Mayo” and have the students rewrite the article using their own words, and find some photographs, pictures, and images to attach to their presentation. Get creative, by drawing the Mexican flag, and showing some typical activities that people do on that special day.
Learn More: Britannica Kids
2. The reenactment of the battle in Puebla, Mexico
This is an interesting video where students can see how the battle on the 5th of May would have been. See the traditional uniforms and weapons. See how the Mexican army defeated the French. Use subtitles and enjoy this easy-to-follow clip. Great vocabulary and worksheets for Spanish students.
Learn More: Spanish Unicorn
3. Social Studies Cinco de Mayo Pack all included
if you ask students, about the subject of social studies, it’s time to sleep in class with your eyes open! “Boring”. is the widely used adjective. Well, with this pack you will have engaged students and they will be asking for more activities to learn about the Mexican culture unit.
Learn More: Twinkl
4. Read Write & Present “Cinco de Mayo”
Research about the artist Diego Rivera, the Aztecs, or the battle at Puebla is something children can do in groups or in pairs and put together an interactive presentation showing off their creativity and flair. They can focus on different topics, so everything from food to folklore, to the Mexican culture.
Learn More: Study
5. The “Fifth” of May
Time to get out our pencils, paper, and highlighters and learn how to proofread a text about “5 de Mayo.” One of the biggest problems middle schoolers have is spelling. If they learn how to proofread they will be better writers and spellers. Take any text that you have about” Cinco de Mayo” and let the students find the common errors that you have created for them.
Here is an example: Find the 14 Spelling Errors and rewrite.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates a mayger Mexican victry over French trops during the 1862 French invation of Mexico.
After a series of internal and external wars in the 1800s – including one with the U.S. – Mexico was bankrup In 1861, President Benito Juárez decide that he had no choice but to cancel Mexico’s dets with European nations.
France use the canceled det as a pretext to invade. The invading trops, on there way to the capital, Mexico City, son made it to the southern city of Puebla, where they faced off with Mexican force lead bye General Ignacio Zaragoza.
The odds didn’t look good. But on May 5, 1862, the outguned and outnumbered Mexican solders defeeted the French.
Learn More: Education World
6. The Real History reading behind “Cinco de Mayo”
Don’t get your dates messed up. The 5th of May is not Mexican Independece day, “El Cinco de mayo ! is the day that we commemorate the battle of Puebla being won by a small Mexican army against French Forces in the 1800s. This is a great article for reading comprehension for middle school students to learn more about this national holiday.
Learn More: Indiana Historical Society
7. Art Attack “Cinco de Mayo” style
Time to make a “God’s eye”! This Mexican-themed craft is perfect for your Spanish classroom. Using colored yarn and some popsicle sticks you can make this cool and colorful decoration with your middle schoolers.
Learn More: YouTube
8. Get your groove on with Cinco de Mayo music
Everyone loves dancing and music. Here you can learn about some Mexican music, Mariachi Bands, and Hispanic culture. You will love these tunes and you can print out the lyrics for singing along. A great festive idea to learn about the culture.
Learn More: Billboard
9. It’s Game Time
The young and the old love to come together to have a fun holiday time. Many Mexican celebrations are celebrated en “Grande ” Here is a collection for the classroom or at home, students will want to play games such as the classic Mexican Train Dominoes, Nacho eating contest, or even the classic Piñata!
Learn More: Bright Color Mom
10. Mole Poblano and More!
There are so many things to do, see, eat and hear in the three-day Cinco de Mayo celebrations that include parades, crafts, music, food, and to top it off a real reenactment of the Puebla war. This site is filled with educational goodies just like a Piñata for all ages. Real authentic lessons.
Learn More: The Homeschool Mom
11. Get some popcorn and it’s Cinco de Mayo Movie time!
Millions of kids and families watched the wonderful film called “Coco” by Disney Pixar but there are so many more films to watch and get a really good taste of what the Mexican culture is. Here are 15 films that show the festivities of Cinco de Mayo! “Disfrutar el cine!”
Learn More: Parent Map
12. Benito Juarez seizes the day and conquers all!
This is such a cool YouTube video about diving in and finding out the real facts on “Cinco de Mayo and what really went down. Interactive and popping video to engage students in a great history lesson. So get your nachos, sour cream, and guacamole, and enjoy.
Learn More: Fluentize
13. Hands-on “Cinco de Mayo” Funtastic!
Taco Parties, making mosaics, drawing, and learning about the Mexican flag and honor. A bit of geography to learn about the battle and war where 2,000 Mexican soldiers fought 6,000 French forces and won! This calls for a “Fiesta or Mexican Party ” Get in party mode with these activities!
Learn More: Really Good Stuff
14. Puzzles or ” Cruzigramas”
If you love a good crossword puzzle then this site is just right for you. Lots of good printables to honor and learn about “Cinco de Mayo” in an educational way. Great for food vocabulary and other new “lingo”.
Learn More: Twinkl
15. 9 is the magic number for “Cinco de Mayo”
Here we have 9 amazing “Cinco de Mayo” activities that include games, stories, history, Piñata making, and much more. Wonderful lesson plans for all student ability and you can even organize your own “Mexican food truck!”
Learn More: Spanish Academy
16. It is Murder Mystery Time “Cinco de Mayo” Style
Isadora is known for great parties and this year’s theme is “Cinco de Mayo”. Time to get out the chips, salsa, and drinks. She decorated her suburban home beautifully and she can’t wait for the festivities to begin. But watch out she is in for a BIG Shock. Her guests this year are all entangled in a lot of drama and misfortunes. This Fiesta is heading for a dangerous fiasco!
Learn More: Paperzz
17. Mexican Cusine “Cinco de Mayo”
This holiday is part of the Mexican-American Culture. Here we have some authentic food recipes which are kid-friendly and unique. Jalisco style tortas, Birria meat wraps, Bionico fruit salad and much more. Delicious!
Learn More: Romper
18. Food, Fun, and Fiesta!
This site has 31 ways to commemorate and celebrate the 5th of May 1862. From crafts to cooking and at the same time you might learn a little history. Great site for “Cinco de mayo”.
Learn More: Parenting High Schoolers
19. Time to let off a little STEAM and have fun!
The Stem classes have joined the arts, and now we have Steam.
Science, tech, electronics arts, and maths. Check out these great lesson plans for learning while doing thematic units.
Learn More: STEAMsational
20. Watch, listen & learn.
Sometimes to get a good grip on a specific topic you really need to see it. Here is a great video, where you can actually watch “Cinco de mayo” celebrations from the past. So sit back, relax, and be mesmerized by the sights, sounds, and tastes of Mexico!
Learn More: Homeschool Pop
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