Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at Mary Our Queen: The Power of Language and Culture
At Mary Our Queen, we take pride in celebrating the diversity that makes our community unique. National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, provides us with an opportunity to highlight the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. It is a time to honor history, recognize cultural richness, and engage students in meaningful learning experiences that build understanding and respect for the world around them.
Why National Hispanic Heritage Month Matters at MOQ
At MOQ, we understand that language is not just a tool for communication but a gateway to culture. By learning Spanish, our students are not only developing linguistic skills but also gaining insight into the customs, traditions, and values of the Spanish-speaking world. Through the efforts of our beloved Spanish teacher, **Maestra Indy**, students experience the vibrancy of Latin American culture in a way that is both educational and engaging.
Cultural Integration Through Language
One of the highlights of our Spanish program is how Maestra Indy incorporates Hispanic heritage into everyday learning. For example, our first graders recently learned the Latin American children’s song, “Little Apple from Peru,” which is a playful way to ask, “¿Cómo te llamas tú?” (What’s your name?). This simple but effective activity not only teaches a fundamental question in Spanish but also introduces students to the rhythms and melodies of a different culture. Fifth-grade students joined in by handwriting the song’s lyrics and drawing apples, helping to connect the grades and reinforce the importance of working together.
In Kindergarten, students read “Feathers for Lunch” (“Plumas para almuerzo”) in Spanish, connecting language learning with art by drawing a cat and feathers based on the story. This engaging, hands-on activity helps young learners associate language with visual and contextual cues, fostering a love for reading and drawing while simultaneously learning Spanish.
Learning Through Food: Upcoming Cultural Cooking Lesson
But the cultural learning doesn’t stop with songs and stories. Maestra Indy is planning a cooking lesson for our 5th graders, where they will learn to cook rice from scratch, a staple in many Latin American dishes. This lesson will not only teach them the basics of cooking but also help them appreciate the flavors and traditions that come from Hispanic kitchens around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting culinary adventure!
The Broader Impact: Building Global Citizens
By celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are teaching our students the importance of cultural appreciation, empathy, and respect for others. These lessons go beyond the classroom, shaping our students into well-rounded individuals who are better prepared to navigate a diverse and interconnected world. Understanding different cultures helps foster tolerance and encourages open-mindedness, traits that are essential for future leaders.
At Mary Our Queen, we believe that education should not only develop academic skills but also cultivate hearts and minds. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity for us to honor and explore the traditions, language, and stories that are integral to the Hispanic community, all while helping our students grow into compassionate, culturally aware global citizens.
As we continue to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to join us in recognizing the cultural contributions of the Hispanic community, both in our school and beyond. Whether it’s through language, music, food, or art, every lesson is a chance to connect our students with the world and instill values of respect, understanding, and unity.
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