Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 to celebrate the contributions that Hispanic (people from Spanish-speaking countries of origin) and Latinx (a gender-neutral form of Latino, which denotes people from Latin American countries) Americans have made to our society. The date of September 15 is significant in itself, representing the day that five Latin American countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica) won their independence in 1821. Mexico (Sept. 16), Chile (Sept. 18), and Belize (Sept. 21) also celebrate their independence days in September.
Hispanic culture has had a huge influence on America since its birth. The music, food, and history are so important for students to learn about. After all, Hispanic and Latinx culture IS American culture.
Flocabulary has engaging hip-hop-infused Hispanic Heritage Month lessons that are rigorous and engaging for students. We also host an annual rap-writing contest where we invite students to write a rap about an event, person, or tradition tied to Hispanic culture. The winning students will have their lyrics turned into a Flocab lesson. Use these Hispanic Heritage Month projects and lessons to celebrate and honor Hispanic culture and history in your curriculum—not just for the month but all year long.
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At the heart of Flocabulary, we prioritize student voices and provide genuine learning opportunities. Each year during September, we launch the Hispanic Heritage Month Rap Contest. Students are invited to be the researchers, lyricists, and rappers in this exciting research and writing project contest. Students are encouraged to select a notable Hispanic figure, either from history or contemporary culture, and write a rap about them to delve into their significance. It’s the perfect Hispanic Heritage Month project!
The student contest winners will have their project submission turned into a Flocabulary lesson, along with the exclusive chance to collaborate with our team, gaining an insider’s perspective on the content creation process! Check out past student winners and their Hispanic Heritage Month songs, or keep reading to view their submissions listed below in the lessons.
Teachers can submit on behalf of students and don’t need a Flocabulary account to enter. However, with Flocabulary’s Lyric Lab, students can seamlessly create their own rap in minutes. The contest opens on September 15th, and submissions close on October 31st. Click below to learn more!
In this lesson, students delve into the life and legacy of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a remarkable 17th-century scholar and nun who played a pivotal role in championing women’s education. Sor Juana, often referred to as the Mexican phoenix, defied societal norms to pursue knowledge and advocate for the rights of women in education. Through this lesson, students not only gain insights into Sor Juana’s contributions to the world of literature and education but also discover how her legacy continues to resonate in contemporary times.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2020 secondary contest winner, Jelena from Knox County, TN.
In this lesson, students embark on an exploration of the life and achievements of José Hernández, a notable Mexican-American astronaut. By delving into his early life and the determination that fueled his journey to becoming a NASA astronaut, students gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. Through this lesson, students can connect with the story of José Hernández, reflecting on the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving their own dreams.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2020 elementary contest winner, Stephen from Dove Schools in OK.
This lesson introduces students to the vibrant cultural celebration of Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead. Through this lesson, students explore the rich cultural significance of Día de los Muertos, emphasizing its role in honoring and remembering deceased loved ones. It invites students to delve into the cultural traditions, values, and practices that shape the Hispanic community, fostering an appreciation for the diverse heritage that underpins this celebration.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2021 secondary contest winner, Jayden from Beaufort, SC.
This Hispanic Heritage Month lesson centers around the life of Luis Alvarez, a trailblazing figure who made history as the first Hispanic American to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. Students will delve into Alvarez’s scientific achievements, gaining an understanding of the groundbreaking contributions he made to the field of physics, including his influential asteroid impact theory. By learning about Luis Alvarez, students can appreciate the diversity and depth of Hispanic contributions to science, technology, and academia, while also recognizing the importance of pursuing knowledge and innovation regardless of one’s background.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with the 2021 elementary contest winner, John from Del Mar, CA.
In this lesson, students delve into the complexities of the Mexican Revolution, a transformative period that reshaped Mexico from a dictatorship into a constitutional republic. They will explore the underlying causes that ignited the revolution and examine the pivotal events that impacted Mexican society and governance. This lesson offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the struggle for social justice, political reform, and the enduring spirit of revolutionaries who fought for a more equitable society in Mexico.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with Hariharan, a 6th grader from Milpitas, CA, and 2022 elementary winner of the Hispanic Heritage Month Rap Contest.
This Hispanic Heritage Month lesson immerses students in the life and work of Rigoberta Menchú Tum, an influential Guatemalan civil rights activist. Throughout the lesson, students gain an understanding of Menchú Tum’s remarkable achievements and her commitment to the causes of social justice and Indigenous rights in Guatemala. It invites students to connect with the broader narrative of Hispanic individuals who have been instrumental in advocating for human rights and societal equity.
The lyrics for this song were written in collaboration with Dulce from Tuscaloosa, AL, and the 2022 winner of the Hispanic Heritage Month Rap Contest.
In this biographical lesson, students delve into the life of Cesar Chavez, an inspiring advocate for migrant workers and a prominent figure in the fight for workers’ rights. The lesson traces Chavez’s upbringing and the many challenges he faced, highlighting his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of migrant laborers. Students will explore how Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, later known as the United Farm Workers, and led impactful strikes and marches to secure fair treatment and justice for agricultural workers.
This lesson offers an in-depth exploration of the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, celebrated for her captivating self-portraits that delve into themes of cultural identity, femininity, and resilience, all conveyed through an innovative and symbol-rich style. Students will engage with Kahlo’s story in both Spanish and English, with subtitles provided for accessibility in both languages. Through this lesson, they will gain insights into Kahlo’s formative years, her marriage to the muralist Diego Rivera, and the challenges she triumphed over.
This lesson centers on the inspirational figure of Dolores Huerta, a woman who devoted her life to fighting for a cause she passionately believed in. The lesson focuses on sixth-grade academic vocabulary words commonly encountered on state tests, enhancing students’ language skills while teaching important values. Through the story of Dolores Huerta, students learn about her unwavering commitment to social justice and her activism in various civic and political arenas. The lesson encourages students to reflect on their own values and inspires them to contemplate what they would be willing to stand up for.
We’re so excited to see you put these Hispanic Heritage Month ideas, activities, and videos to use in your classroom to celebrate Hispanic culture. Don’t forget to invite your students to enter our rap contest, which is the perfect Hispanic Heritage Month research project! Flocabulary has engaging hip-hop standards-aligned videos and lessons you can use for all K-12 Subjects. These lessons not only deliver rigorous and relevant learning experiences but they also authentically and actively engage students.
New to Flocabulary? Sign up below to access the resources shared in this article.
