Celebrating a Mexican Fiesta

Planning a Mexican Fiesta in the Classroom

Submitted by: Kristin Zahn
Endorsed by: Dr. Don Descy
Mankato State University

Date: October 30, 1997

Description:

This lesson is designed to be a closing activity on a unit about Mexico. The students and their families celebrate Mexico's culture by planning and partaking in a fiesta , held in the students' classroom.

Grade Level: Grades K-4

Goal: The students will understand the parts of a Mexican fiesta (festival).

Objectives:

1. The students will describe the traditions involved with a fiesta.
2. The students will plan their own fiesta based on previous knowledge of the unit.

Background Information:

This lesson can be incorporated into the unit at any time. However, by using it as a closing activity to the unit, it provides for a good review. Also, it's a fun way to wrap-up the unit. An especially effective activity if your classroom is filled with people from different cultures. This activity can be done with any culture or heritage!

Concepts:

1. The students will be able to explain the significance of a pinata.
2. The students will be able to provide information about two fiestas (All Saint's Day & Posadas)

Materials:

These can be broad or very specific depending on the atmosphere of the fiesta you're planning. Here are some suggestions: a pinata, examples of Mexican foods (tortillas, beans), music, Mexican dress (sombrero), the Mexican flag displayed in the room, art projects made by the students. The possibilities are endless!

Procedure:

1. Explain to the students that the study of Mexico and its culture has come to a close.

2. To review, have the students discuss in small groups what they learned about Mexican fiestas (writing down their answers).

3. Have a member in each group report their findings to the class (the teacher reports them on the blackboard).

4. Ask the students what they'd think about having a fiesta in the classroom.

5. In their small groups, have them brainstorm on what materials will be needed for their fiesta.

6. As the teacher, combine their lists into one master list (hand out the following day).

7. Tell the students their fiesta date needs to be long-term (2-3 weeks from the present) in order for proper preparation time.

8. In order for their to be entertainment at their fiesta, assign a piece of Mexico information (already studied in the unit) to be presented by the groups. Examples would be group one reports on foods of Mexico, group two on Mexican dress, etc.

9. Plan for this fiesta (if possible) to take place on a weeknight, so parents and other family members can attend. Send a note home explaining what is happening and when it's happening.

Assessment:

1. Review the students' list of what they planned for their fiesta.

2. At the fiesta, record comments about their group presentations.

3. After the fiesta, ask the students what they thought of the experience.