Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15
Celebrating Hispanic American, their culture, and contributions to the United Statese
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
The term Hispanic or Latino, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin." According to the 2010 Census, 50.5 million people or 16% of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from the 2000 Census, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.
Resources
Fact Monster-Learn about famous Hispanic Americans, notable books, holidays, Spanish loan words, ethnic terminology preferences, and more
KET videos--The Latino Americans episodes, biography profiles, and music videos
Time for Kids-videos and printables
Some library book lesson plans/activities
Reader's Theater and other activities o go with the book, Separate is Never Equal : the Story of Sylvia Mendez and her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
Lesson plans/resources for Abuela by Arthur Dorros and Elisa Kleven
Lesson plans/resources for Love to Mama by Pat Mora
Library books with a Hispanic theme or character. Under Resource List, click on PME Hispanic Heritage Month