Mexican Culture - Clothing, Mariachi Music, Sombrero Craft, & Dance Activity

Great for Cinco de Mayo or International Night! Spark cultural appreciation in your classroom by introducing the iconic cultural symbols of Mexico: the Mexican charro (cowboy), sombreros, mariachi music and the Mexican Hat Dance! This lesson is filled with beautiful images and lively music as students witness las charreadas, the Mexican rodeo and national sport of Mexico. The highlight of the lesson is creating an authentic sombrero based on the costume of the charro and la escaramuza, the Mexican cowgirl, that can be either worn or used as a decoration on bulletin boards or in hallways of your school. Mariachi music is introduced along with the romantic tradition of the serenade. Finally, dance instructions are included that teach the Mexican Hat Dance that can be taught in the classroom or during PE. Music is provided for all activities!

Learning about cultures reinforces both SEL and global education programs by increasing social awareness, appreciation of diverse cultures and understanding about Our Cool World!

Mexico! El Charro, Los Sombreros, Los Mariachis, and More! (38 pages) includes a lesson plan, PowerPoint images, a fun craft, loads of great mariachi music, dance instructions and covers the following topics:

• Iconic Mexican customs originating in Guadalajara, Mexico

• El charro, the Mexican cowboy, and las charreadas, the Mexican rodeo

• What makes a sombrero authentic?

• Learning about and listening to mariachi music

• The romantic tradition of the serenade

• Learning to dance the Mexican Hat Dance, the official dance of Mexico

A fun and easy craft, Wearable Sombrero Charro, is presented for both grades K – 2 and also grades 3 – 5, and is a wearable hat that can also be used for decoration. Teacher or parent preparation is needed to make a stencil (template included) for the sombrero. Younger students may also need help tracing the stencil and cutting the shape. An “Idea Board” is available to show students authentic decorations used for traditional dress.

Other supplies needed include white and red copy paper or card stock, black and yellow ledger sized construction paper, white chalk, red crayon or marker, black crayon or marker, white glue, and scissors.

WANT MORE LESSONS ON MEXICO? 

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"In my nearly 30-year career in education, I have never seen children so engaged in their learning! International Travel Academy is truly a multi-disciplinary approach that enables children to explore the world in an unforgettable way. Students get a real sense of what it means to respect another country's heritage, beliefs and ways of living, thus making them more tolerant and internationally-minded. I highly recommend this program to educators and parents wishing to make learning come to life!" 

– A Former Assistant Superintendent at Atlanta Public Schools

“(The five-day program) has given our school the unique opportunity to provide students with incredible experiences that align so well with our IB focus. Each spring with family and community support, our school essentially is transformed into our country of study for one full week. Teachers are easily able to follow the daily curriculum and activities provided, and the students truly enjoy this special week of instruction. From the art projects to festive food tastings, cultural dress, music, dance and traditions, the students spend this entire week engaged in new and exciting experiences of a new country. I would encourage all schools (IB, or not) to jump in and make a week like this happen for their students. It is incredibly gratifying to spend this week with kids as they come together to learn and share experiences like these across grade levels, school-wide. When we hear such rich discussion in classrooms and read their detailed writing about what they've learned as part of (the) week, it makes all the preparation, planning and expense totally worth it!! “

– An International Baccalaureate Instructional Specialist at a local elementary school

FEEDBACK

Our lessons have been tried and tested for the past seven years. But, as we are new to TPT, we would love to get feedback from you! Please email us! Our personal emails are included in the lesson. 

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TERMS OF USE

This product is for personal classroom use by a single teacher. If you would like to copy this product for more than one teacher, please download additional licenses, available at 10% off the original price! 

You cannot give this item to others, copy this item for use by others, post this item on a website, or copy or modify any part of this document to offer others for free or for sale. 

Please feel free to use as needed for your personal use, for your classroom, or to copy for your students. Of course, you may always purchase unlimited licenses for others to use at 10% off the original price.

Thank you!

From My Cool World