Reading- Read the article about Cinco de Mayo found here: http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/holidays/cincodemayo1.htm (be sure to continue on to page 2 at the bottom) and answer the following questions (parents can e-mail me for the answers if they wish):
In what year did the Mexican Army defeat the French Army at the Battle of Puebla?
Why is this battle significant?
Why did France invade Mexico?
Who was the Mexican general that led the Mexican Army during the Battle of Puebla?
Writing- Write a story about the things you would do to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, or if your family does celebrate Cinco de Mayo, write about how you celebrate it.
Language Arts- We are going to break down the words "Cinco de Mayo" and translate them into English. "Cinco" (pronounced like sink-o) means "five" and "de" (pronounced like day) means "of", when combined together, they mean "fifth of". "Mayo" (pronounced like My-oh) means "May", so when the whole phrase is put together it means, "fifth of May", which is the date that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated.
Vocabulary/Spelling- Be able to spell, define and use each word/phrase in a sentence. (Parents adjust the words to fit your child's level)
Cinco de Mayo- the 5th of May, a holiday that celebrates the Mexican Army defeating the French Army at the Battle of Puebla
Commemorate- to serve as a reminder of somebody or of an event
Piñata- a decorated container, often filled with sweets and toys, that is broken during celebrations
Math- In honor of the number 5 (cinco), practice your multiplication and division facts for the number 5. Here is a Schoolhouse Rock video to help you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_1x7V1sHd0 (Younger kids can practice counting by 5s)
Science- Learn what Mexican jumping beans really are and what makes them jump(an insect!): http://www.homeroomteacher.com/infocincodemayoprojectsandactivities.html (scroll about halfway down the page)
Social Studies- Read about a child's life in Mexico: http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212302/mexico.html (please note, the first word "Olah" is mispelled. To say "hello" in Spanish you would say "hola" (pronounced like o-la)). How is it different from your life?
Print out and color a copy of the Mexican flag: http://www.abcteach.com/free/f/flag_mexico.pdf
Music- Listen to the Mexican National Anthem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39MwGC0jnEg You can read more about the Mexican National Anthem, including reading the lyrics in Spanish and English, on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himno_Nacional_Mexicano
Art- Make some paper flowers: http://www.bry-backmanor.org/holidayfun/cincodemayocraft.html or a piñata: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pi%C3%B1ata to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Domestic Arts- Make some homemade corn tortillas: http://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/2009/02/how-to-make-corn-tortillascomo-hacer.html If you do not own a tortilla press, keep scrolling on the page to see other ways you can flatten the dough. You can then eat your tortillas as they are or use them to make another recipe. We like to cut our tortillas into wedges and fry them for homemade tortilla chips. After frying, we sprinkle them with fresh lime juice and salt.
Health- Diabetes is a disease that is common in Mexico. Learn more about diabetes and do the crossword and word search found here: http://www.diabetesresearch.org/document.doc?id=274
Physical Education- Watch this video of the Mexican Hat Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN-p4mUbq6k&feature=related Then practice the Mexican Hat Dance, following the directions found here: http://www.kids-partycabin.com/Mexican_hat_dance.html
Related books- Lucas and His Loco Beans: A Tale of the Mexican Jumping Bean
Cinco de Mouse-O!
Viva Mexico!: The Story of Benito Juarez and Cinco De Mayo (Stories of America)
Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating the Traditions of Mexico
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Mexican Hat Dance
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