Speak Up For Hispanic Heritage Month!
Mester 1 Week 7
Purpose:
INSTRUCTIONS
"Why Hispanic Heritage Month Is Important."
National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2013
Time:
Materials:
30 minutes per 3 days
Pen or pencil, ppt Speak up For Hispanic Heritage Month, Latino in history
Biography Skill Sheet, The Latin American countries Word Search, and Hispanic
Heritage Month Crossword if time allowed.
Assignment: Students will discuss research and write about the three main concepts of the
contributions of Hispanic-Americans in the United States of America. Students will
learn additional facts about the people who are in the “Latinos in History” list.
They will complete the Latin- American countries Word Search & the Hispanic
Heritage Month Crossword.
ESLRs:
Self-Directed Learners
Exploring and understanding the concepts of: unity, strength, and leadership through the
Nation Hispanic Heritage Month of 2013.
Teacher Overview: First, in small groups, have students read the following history of
why we celebrate the contributions of Hispanic-Americans; National Hispanic Heritage
Month ~ celebrated September 15 to October 15 each year ~ honors the diverse peoples
of Spanish-speaking backgrounds who have come to the United States from more than 20
countries.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic Americans are one of the fastest growing
groups in the country.
1
: //
U.S. Hispanic/Latino Population
Here is data from the 2000 Census and 2011 Census for the Hispanic and Latino
populations in the United States.
National origin
Population,
2000
Percent
Population,
2010
Percent
Total
35,305,818
100.0%
308,745,538
100.0%
Mexican
20,640,711
58.5
31,798,258
63
Puerto Rican
3,406,178
9.6
4,623,716
9.2
Cuban
1,241,685
3.5
1,785,547
3.5
764,945
2.2
1,414,703
2.8
1,686,937
4.8
3,998,280
7.9
Costa Rican
68,588
0.2
126,418
0.3
Guatemalan
372,487
1.1
1,044,209
2.1
Honduran
217,569
0.6
633,401
1.3
Nicaraguan
177,684
0.5
348,202
0.7
Panamanian
91,723
0.3
165,456
0.3
Salvadoran
655,165
1.9
1,648,968
3.3
Other Central American
103,721
0.3%
31,626
0.1%
1,353,562
3.8
2,769,434
5.5
Argentinean
100,864
0.3
224,952
0.4
Bolivian
42,068
0.1
99,210
0.2
Chilean
68,849
0.2
126,810
0.3
Colombian
470,684
1.3
908,734
1.8
Ecuadorian
260,559
0.7
564,631
1.1
Paraguayan
8,769
(1)
20,023
(1)
Peruvian
233,926
0.7
531,358
1.1
Uruguayan
18,804
0.1
56,884
0.1
Venezuelan
91,507
0.3
215,023
0.4
Other South American
57,532
0.2
21,809
(1)
3,452,403
6.8
Dominican (Dominican Republic)
Central American (excludes
Mexican)
South American
All other Hispanic or Latino
6,211,800
17.6
NOTE: Hispanics may be of any race.
1. Less than 0.1%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000; Census 2011.
2
History
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) in the United States is the period
when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and
to celebrate Hispanic Cultural heritage and Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage Week
was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald
Reagan in 1988 to cover a 31-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988 on
the approval of Public Law 100-402.
"September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the
anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In
addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16,
September 18, and September 21, respectively."
Hispanic Heritage Month also celebrates the long and important presence of Hispanic
Americans in North America. A map of late 18th century North America shows this
presence, from the small outpost of San Francisco founded in the desolate wilderness of
Alta California in 1776, through the Spanish province of Texas with its vaqueros
(cowboys), to the fortress of St. Augustine, Florida -- the first continuous European
settlement in North America founded in 1565, decades before Jamestown, Virginia.
Directed Lesson
Second, ask students to write the definition if they know, about the following topic
concepts: What comes to your mind when you hear the words Unity, Strength, and
leadership?
Unity--- It means when people work together and for the common good.
Strength--- is a kind of having the quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually
or legally.
Leadership--- the ability to see things others can't. The visions of leaders always have
and always will shape the world. Christopher Columbus had a vision of another world
and even though many doubted him and criticized him he was still a leader. He led all of
us to a wonderful abyss of freedom we call America. The land of amazing opportunity
found nowhere else in this lonely world in this lonely universe.
Discuss whole group anything they may notice. Answer and discuss any questions the students
might have regarding these three main concepts.
Additional Resource for the studentUnderstanding the contributions of Hispanic- Americans in the U.S.
Using the sample ppt Speak Up for Hispanic Heritage Month! lesson and the link
provided have students research biographies of notable Hispanic American film,
television, and theater personalities, notable Hispanic-American leaders and activists,
notable Hispanic-American Musicians and Visual Artists, notable Hispanic-American
scientists, notable Hispanic-American writers and athletes. See sample link above
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/hhmbio4.html
3
Lastly, tell students that they will be learning additional facts about the people who are in
the “Latinos in history” and complete The Biography skill sheet by using any of the
links provided below or in the Latinos in history Biography Skill Sheet.
Notable Hispanic-American Scientists






Luis Walter Alvarez, Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Franklin Chang-Dìaz, astronaut
Mario Molina, Nobel Prize-winning chemist
Carlos Noriega, astronaut
Ellen Ochoa, astronaut
Severo Ochoa, Nobel Prize-winning biochemist
Ellen Ochoa
4