Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan
A national holiday celebrating the contributions of Hispanic and Latino artists, scientists, activists and human rights leaders in the United States.
Multimedia Resources in both English and Spanish for Middle and High School Students
Films in English
Students watch these films in which Hispanic and Latino community activists are featured, and consider the discussion questions.
Latino community activist Mark Lopez pushed government officials to provide comprehensive lead testing and cleanup of contaminated East Los Angeles homes.
Erica Fernandez, a brave and passionate young activist, defends her community from corporate polluters.
Angelina Pendleton-Mendez interviews Maria Mendez, her paternal grandmother about her family and their journey. Angelina was curious about her family's heritage, discovers the rich history of Mexico's culture and her ancestors who have empowered her even during a time when women were silenced by their abilities.
Interview a grandparent and find out about their life, challenges along the way and how they overcame them.
MY HERO Suggested Video
"Hidden Figuras: Jovita Idár" (2018) by BESE
An educator, journalist, activist and sometimes nurse, Idár is one of the most historically significant Texans that you've never heard of. And that's no surprise.
Founded by Zoe Saldana, BESE's mission is to broaden and reshape the cultural narrative by shining light on the untold stories that reflect today’s America. We respect all identities and admire the people who have the courage to say, “this is who I am.”
Películas en Español
Los estudiantes ven estas películas sobre héroes en Español.
'Biblioburro' sigue a Luis Soriano Bohorquez, un maestro en un pequeño pueblo de La Gloria, Colombia, mientras viaja hacia las colinas y por los campos, en la espalda de su burro, trayendo con él libros para niños de las comunidades rurales que no tienen acceso a ninguna librería o biblioteca.
Additional films in Spanish
Películas adicionales en español.
Un artista de la calle trabajando en la Playa Venice explica su pasión.
Stories in English
Students read one or all of the featured stories about Latino and Hispanic heroes and consider the discussion questions and activities.
(Please note that six stories are available in text and audio.)
Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman astronaut.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a congresswoman from New York.
Huerta began to see the need for agricultural workers to organize for labor rights as a teacher. Many of her students were children of migrant workers.
Recommended for ESL Students
The following stories are available in text and audio so students can read and listen.
Tania Ruiz is an astrophysicist committed to science education and helping women reach their goals.
Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic US Supreme Court Justice.
The story about Dr. France Cordova is available in English and Spanish.
Dr. France Cordova is a renowned astrophysicist who has broken gender and cultural barriers. She is currently the director of the US National Science Foundation.
“Sólo aquellos que se arriesgan a llegar lejos, pueden tener una idea de lo lejos que se puede llegar." - T.S. Eliot
Historias en español
1. How are the women featured in the essays similar? How are they different?
2. How has each woman's heritage affected her life? What obstacles did they have to overcome? Where did they find their strength?
3. Mark Lopez and Erica Fernandez, heroes featured in the film section, are activists in their community. Identify activists working in your community. What are they doing? Share their story with MY HERO. Reach out to see if you can help their cause.
4. Angelina Pendleton-Mendez interviewed her grandmother about her heritage. What did she learn that inspires her?
5. What is your heritage? Consider interviewing a member of your family to learn more. Submit a story or short film about what you learned to MY HERO.
6. Whom from your ethnicity or heritage are you inspired by? Share his or her story and why this person is your hero.
Students analyze the artwork by Hispanic American artists who are inspired by their heritage, and consider the discussion questions and activity.
Descriptions of Art in English
Dolores Huerta is an American labor leader and civil rights activist of Hispanic descent who, with Cesar Chavez, co-founded of the National Farmworkers Association.
Remembering the legacy of Cesar Chavez, Hispanic heritage hero and labor organizer (UFW), who tirelessly fought for farm workers in California
Descripciones de arte en español
1. The mural by Noel Marquez is painted on a wall in a park that used to be covered in graffiti. Are there any areas in your community that would benefit from a mural? How could you get the community involved? Create an action plan, get others involved and share your efforts with MY HERO.
2. Research other portraits by Marilyn Huerta. Notice how she uses bright color and broad brushstrokes in her artwork. Create a portrait of your hero using the same technique to submit to the MY HERO Gallery.
3. Jose Acosta uses bright colors and swirling figures in his artwork. Research other artwork created by Jose Acosta. Create artwork inspired by his technique that celebrates the best of humanity to submit to the MY HERO Gallery.
4. Who are other Hispanic artists? What is his or her inspiration? Do some research and share their story with MY HERO.
Audio
Juan Leovigildo Brouwer Mezquida was born March 1, 1939 in Havana is a Cuban composer, conductor, and guitarist.
Rafael Lopez's Art for BRAVO! POEMS ABOUT AMAZING HISPANICS
After analyzing the portraits and reading the poems, students are encouraged to submit an original illustrated poem about their hero to MY HERO through the Create Program.
The Hispanics featured in this collection come from different backgrounds and from many different countries. Celebrate their accomplishments and their contributions to a collective history and a community that continues to evolve and thrive today! (Artwork displayed with permission from the artist.)
Learning Outcomes
Students will identify heroes from their culture who inspire them. Students will develop higher-level learning skills as they compare the written word, films and art.
Additional stories in Spanish / Historias adicionales en español
Additional stories with Spanish text.
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The Hispanic Heritage Month lesson plan was created by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
MY HERO Calendars for use in the Classroom
MY HERO's Teachers Calendar Features Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
Outstanding essays submitted to MY HERO will be considered for a certificate/t-shirt prize or be featured on the Story Homepage.
Submit your artwork to be entered in the MY HERO art contest or to be exhibited on our Gallery Homepage.
Students can submit their films for free with a waiver to the MY HERO International Film Festival.
Enter one of MY HERO Multimedia Contests - Click here to view our current contests.
Organizer created on 8/1/2019 1:46:46 PM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 9/18/2023 10:17:55 AM by Laura Nietzer
