National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th–October 15th

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15th–October 15th. It was originally established, in 1968, as Hispanic Heritage Week, by President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, it became a month-long celebration. Some people question the need for an Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Native American Heritage Month, and other such months that recognize the achievements of groups which have helped to make this nation great. I believe we do since history books just can’t address all the different accomplishments of all the people that have contributed to making our country what it is today. Here are some interesting facts to share with your students during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Did You Know?

• Before colonists settled Plymouth Colony, there were people living in St. Augustine, Florida, and Sante Fe, New Mexico.
• Chinese (Mandarin) is spoken by the most people in the world. The second most spoken language is Spanish. A close third is ... English.
• The majority of Hispanic people in the United States came from the country of Mexico.
• Pedro Flores was the first to mass-produce the yo-yo in the United States.
• In 1989, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen became the first Cuban American to become a member of Congress.
• Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is a festive holiday. It celebrates the victory over the French in the Battle of Pueblo (1862). The Mexicans were outnumbered three to one, yet they won the battle.
• Have you ever played with a pinata at a birthday party? This is another activity that has its origins in Mexico.

Check out my webquest, Hispanic Heritage Month.

Gail - www.gailhennessey.com