Many Mexicans know that September 16 signifies Mexican Independence Day. This is the day that Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo gave his passionate speech about freedom. This is the day that changed history for many Mexican people as it was the start of a revolution that would lead to their freedom! This collection of 20 insightful ideas will help you educate your learners about all spheres of the day.
1. Learn the Meaning Behind the Mexican Flag
Few people know the true meaning behind their country’s flag and what each color, design, or pattern represents. Help kids learn the meaning of the Mexican flag with this activity where they will read an article about it and then answer questions to check for comprehension.
Learn More: Study.com
2. Have a Traditional Meal
No celebration is complete without food! Make your celebration authentic with Chiles en Nogada. Students will enjoy this savory dish of what was believed to be the first meal prepared by the nuns at Puebla just after Mexico was declared independent.
Learn More: Mexican Food Journal
3. Learn the Mexican National Anthem
Help kids learn how to sing the Mexican National Anthem. They can follow the lyrics on screen and learn what they mean when translated into English.
Learn More: Learn Spanish with SpanishPod101.com
4. Create a Timeline
If your students are learning how to create a timeline, this website has a ton of great information about the Mexican Independence movement! Have them practice their research skills and create a timeline for Mexican Independence.
Learn More: Thought Co.
5. History Snapshot
Allow kids to watch this short documentary outlining the timeline of how Mexican Independence was gained. Use the resource, to sum up, your teaching before testing.
Learn More: Imagine Mexico
6. Bring the Celebration to Life
Before the lesson begins, share the importance of this special day with your class by printing and hanging photographs or creating a slideshow of the bicentennial celebration. These vibrant and heartwarming photos will help connect them to the significance of the day!
Learn More: The Guardian
7. Invite Students to Dress the Part
Students who are of Mexican heritage often wear traditional Mexican garments for parties and celebrations. Invite them to dress up for Mexican Independence Day at school and have others wear bright colors to help celebrate!
Learn More: Love to Know
8. Experience Mariachi
Mariachi music is the traditional music of Mexico. Strings, brass, and voice all come together to create inspiring performances to commemorate Mexican Independence Day as a celebration.
Learn More: KSAT 12
9. Create a Cultural Passport
Students will learn about the origins, traditions, foods, and more as they complete the activities within this pack. Learners will answer short-response questions, and true or false questions, and engage in fun quizzes.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
10. Concept Map & Video Lesson
Beginner Spanish learners will benefit from this video lesson which includes a concept map to fill out. This is the perfect scaffold to help students take notes while they watch the video.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
11. Debunk the Myth
Here are a few printable true or false questions to help clear up the confusion between Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo. This would be an exceptional lesson engagement piece or can simply be used as a fun conversation starter.
Learn More: World Language Cafe
12. Color by Number
Have students color the emblem on the Mexican flag with this neat color-by-number worksheet. As an added bonus, kids can learn the Spanish words for each of the colors and learn what is represented on the emblem.
Learn More: K12 Reader
13. Primary PowerPoint
Help younger students understand a little more about Mexican Independence Day using this eye-catching PowerPoint. As an added bonus, it includes a few printables to help younger children learn basic Spanish words.
Learn More: Sandy Cangelosi
14. Mexico Word Search
This free printable word search is a great time buster for early finishers. It could also be used as seatwork while students are trickling in to set the tone for a lesson on Mexican Independence Day.
Learn More: Pinterest
15. Get Kids in on the Music
Help kids make their own musical instruments to drum, shake, or pluck along with the Mariachi band. Red Ted Art provides how-tos on a variety of instruments that can be made with a few easy-to-find supplies.
Learn More: Red Ted Art
16. Create Festive Decorations
Papel Picado is traditional Mexican folk art that’s often used as decor at parties and celebrations. Let kids go to town with scissors and tissue paper by cutting out shapes of the folded paper. Similar to how you can make snowflakes or paper dolls, these are fun and simple to complete.
Learn More: Deep Space Sparkle
17. Piñata
What is a Mexican celebration without a pinata? This could be something that the whole class can collaborate on! Then, on the final day of your unit, the kids can take turns busting it open to find traditional Mexican candies and trinkets.
Learn More: Red Ted Art
18. Click and Learn
Get kids engaged in some background knowledge about Mexico, including learning about Mexican Independence Day with this fun and interactive web page. Students will simply click to reveal fun facts, videos, and a myriad of information about Mexico.
Learn More: Globe Trottin’ Kids
19. Add Humor
Eddie G is known for his humor that’s perfectly catered to older students. This introduction to Mexican Independence Day is the perfect video to get your students hooked and wanting to learn more.
Learn More: Eddie G!
20. Read Aloud
There is a myriad of books that celebrate the culture and beauty that is Mexico. Get your hands on a few of these books to read throughout your unit to help kids understand why Mexican Independence was so important.
Learn More: Thrift Books
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