Smithsonian Institution
Affirmation, Assimilation, and Acculturation: Middle School
Latin American culture is deeply embedded in American culture as a whole. From the Latin rock scene in San Francisco to the hip-hop world of New York, Latin American artists have influenced every genre of modern music. Learn about the...
Curated OER
Spanish Drama: Latin America
Students explore Hispanic countries. In this Hispanic culture and language lesson, students choose an Hispanic country to research. Students explore given websites and prepare a dramatization incorporating the facts they...
Little Kids Rock
The Influence of Latin Music in Postwar New York City
Music has often been called the international language that transcends cultures and regions. Scholars analyze the impact of Latin American music on New York City culture in the years following World War II. They research music, video,...
Smithsonian Institution
American Sabor Crossword
How much do you know about Latin American music? A crossword puzzle challenges learners to answer 24 questions about the history, genres, performers, and instruments of Latin American music.
Curated OER
Studio Art Lessons Based on Latin American Arts
Study three of the basic principles of design: l) designs should create a rhythmic pattern made up of related shapes, 2) colors should be repeated so as to not force the eye to remain with a single part of the composition, and 3) a...
Quaver
World Percussion — Latin America Project Book
What's the most popular music style in Brazil? What about Cuba? Or the Dominican Republic? An immersive project teaches young learners about the salsa, the samba, and the merengue with research assignments and dance performances.
John F. Kennedy Center
Baila! Latin Dance in the Spanish Classroom
One, two, three. One, two, three. Invite your language learners to practice the steps for researching and presenting information. Each small group has the task of explaining one Latin dance in full detail.
Midwest Clinic
Latin Rhythms: Mystery Unraveled
There is an indescrible energy to Latin American music—but if you know your music theory, it's not so indescrible after all. A thorough packet provides definitions for terms like bolero, charanga, shekere, and tumbao before listing...
Smithsonian Institution
Latino Expression
How much of your daily life is influenced by Latin American music? Take a listen—the answer may surprise you! High schoolers keep a journal to note any instances they see Latino culture represented, including the media, their school, and...
Curated OER
Hispanic Arts and Culture Unit: Visual Arts, Dance, and Music
Students learn about Latin American dance and rhythm in different forms and participate in dancing. In this Latin American lesson plan, students also analyze Latin American paintings.
Curated OER
Spanish Influence in America
Students try out instruments from South America. In this multiculturalism lesson, students discuss the attributes of Latin American music and play instruments from South America.
Curated OER
Hispanic Arts: Visual Arts, Dance and Music
Learners observe global cultures by listening to music and watching videos. For this Latin American dance lesson, students define merengue, salsa and other dances from the Hispanic culture while listening to Latin rhythm music. Learners...
Curated OER
Latin American Film
Students explore the Latin American film industry. In this Latin American film lesson plan, students compare Latin American films to American films as they watch segments of "Que Viva Mexico!" Students research the painters on the film...
Curated OER
Amate Bark Paintings/Folk Arts of Latin America
Students explore the history of bark paintings in South America and produce their own version of these paintings.
Curated OER
Latin American Art
Latin American art lessons can provide a way to explore different cultures, the lives of famous artists, and much more.
Curated OER
Hispanic World - South America Field Trip
Pupils research a South American Spanish speaking country, analyze and organize the information that they collect and present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
Video Boxes
Students create a video box about a Central American country. In this world history instructional activity, student research Central America and pick a country they want to investigate. They work in groups to create a video box that...
Curated OER
Beisbol! Latino Baseball Pioneers and Legends
Students explore Latin America by researching the favorite past time, baseball. In this Latin culture instructional activity, students identify the leaders in the Latin American baseball movement such as Felipe Alou, Jose Mendze, and the...
Curated OER
Esperanza Rising
Sixth graders explore equality by reading a story with their classmates. In this discrimination instructional activity, 6th graders read the story Esperanza Rising and discuss the tensions between Latin America and the United States....
El Museo del Barrio
Dia de los Muertos Educator Resource Guide
What are the origins of el Dia de los Muertos, and how is this tradition observed in contemporary celebrations? With a variety of lesson plans and suggested hands-on activities, here is an excellent resource to reference as you...
Curated OER
Cha Cha
Students demonstrate the Cha Cha basics. They practice the Cha Cha basics and keep the beat with the motions. They study a brief history of the Cha Cha and observe music in relation to history and culture.
Curated OER
Form and Theme in the Traditional Mexican Corrido
Students examine the traditional Mexican musical form of corridos. In this cross curricular history and music lesson, students analyze the lyrics of popular corridos and the corridos' importance in Mexican culture. Students will...
Curated OER
George Gershwin
Students explore the life and accomplishments of George Gershwin. They listen to Latin rhythms and practice the rhythmic parts. Students identify Latin instruments George Gershwin added to the orchestra. After practice, they perform a...
Curated OER
World Percussion Instruments
Fourth graders study percussion instruments from various world cultures. In this percussion instruments lesson plan, 4th graders listen to percussive sound sources, learn playing techniques, and create compositions for instruments they...