Let's Learn about Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is a special holiday celebrated in Mexico and the United States on May 5th every year. It commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Here's a resource for primary grades that can make learning about this holiday fun and engaging for young students.

You can start with this short 8-minute video explaining Cinco de Mayo.

Then you can use the activities in this downloadable activity pack that includes a variety of fun and educational resources to help children understand the history and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo. The pack includes a stack and staple informational text with embedded text-dependent questions that students can read and answer to learn about the holiday.

One of the activities in the pack is a compare and contrast page that compares the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US and Mexico. This activity can help students understand thecultural differences and similarities between the two countries. The pack also includes a mapping activity that teaches children about the geography of Mexico.

Another exciting activity included in the pack is a Cinco de Mayo sombrero crown that students can color and wear. This craft activity is an excellent way to engage students and get them excited about learning.

The pack also includes a Cinco de Mayo fiesta acrostic poem craftivity that allows students to write their own poems using the letters in the word "fiesta." This activity is a fun and creative way to teach language arts skills while also learning about the holiday.

Finally, the pack includes a color-by-Spanish-color-word activity that teaches children Spanish color words. The activity also comes with a reference chart for color words to help students learn and review.

These activities mentioned above are excellent tools for teaching young students about Cinco de Mayo. They are are engaging, informative, and culturally relevant. With this resource, students can have fun while learning about the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo.

The Ascension of Jesus for Little Learners

 Teaching young children about religious concepts can be a challenging task, but it can also be a fulfilling experience. The Ascension is a significant event in the Christian faith, and it is important to share its message with young learners. In this blog post, we will explore some ideas on how to teach about the Ascension to first graders.

First, it is essential to understand what the Ascension means. The Ascension refers to the event where Jesus Christ rose into heaven after his resurrection. This event is significant as it represents Jesus' ultimate victory over death and sin. It also signifies Jesus' return to his heavenly father and the promise of his eventual return.

One way to introduce the Ascension to first graders is to use visual aids. Pictures, videos, and other multimedia resources can help make the story more engaging and memorable for young learners. You can also use storytelling techniques that incorporate actions and gestures to make the story come to life. 

Another approach is to use age-appropriate language to explain the story. Use simple, straightforward language that children can understand. You can also incorporate storytelling techniques that help children make connections between the story and their own lives. For instance, you can ask questions like, "What does it mean to go home?" or "Have you ever felt sad when someone you love had to leave?"

It's also important to emphasize the positive message of the Ascension. Talk about the hope and promise that Jesus' ascension represents, and how it relates to our own lives. You can discuss how the Ascension is a reminder that Jesus is always with us, even if we can't see him. It's a reminder that we can always rely on his love and guidance, no matter what happens.

Teaching about the Ascension to first graders requires creativity, simplicity, and sensitivity. By using visual aids, age-appropriate language, and positive messaging, you can help young learners connect with this important event in the Christian faith.