Spanish Colonial Central America Lesson Plans

Students examine the influences of the Hispanic groups from Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico. In groups, they research the history of Mexico and read excerpts from a book in Spanish to practice their vocabulary. To end the lesson, they write letters to the Embassy of Mexico in New York to ask for information about the Hispanic cultures in the American Southwest.

Young scholars complete a unit about the geography and culture of Mexico. They compare and contrast the weather of their own city and Mexico, read books about Mexico, count in Spanish, color in a flag of Mexico and the Mexican Coat of Arms, sing various songs, and make different recipes.

In American society students need to know how to observe the law and defend their rights. "Once someone knows you know your legal rights, he or she is usually quick to try to work something out" (Alderman xvi). However, in order to defend their rights, students, especially ESL students, must hone their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This unit will have a cross-curricular focus that will develop these language skills

Young scholars discover the true history of the United States by examining Christopher Columbus.  In this U.S. History lesson, students investigate the true history of Christopher Columbus' travels and discuss the actual first inhabitants of the United States.  Young scholars research their textbooks for information about Native American lifestyles.

Students explore Latin American art. In this bi-lingual art history lesson, students view a vast collection of Latin American artwork to better conceptualize the depth and contributions Latin American artist have had throughout history. This lesson includes activities and a multitude of resources.

A special education classroom examines a variety of literature from Latin American authors. In groups, they read excerpts from many autobiographies and compare them with their own life. After writing their own autobiographies, they role-play the life of one of the autobiographies they read during the lesson.

Students explore American Indian cultures and changes caused by European exploration in North America.

Students determine location by using longitude and latitude. They measure to the minute longitude and latitude of a place and select a body of land and determine its location. They approximate time zones by using every 15 degrees of longitudinal change to represent 1 hr.

Students examine the geography, politics and history of their local town of New Haven, Connecticut. Using the internet, they explore the neighbors of New Haven and write directions from their house to school. In groups, they research recent information about the city from the cities website and share what they have gathered. To end the lesson plan, they build a model of the city and its physical characteristics.

Learners prepare to take a field trip to a museum focusing on El Favor De Los Santos. Individually, they develop a symbol based on a piece of art they have been shown. In groups, they write about their trip to the museum and share their experiences with the class to end the lesson.