Equity and Access Newsletter
Elementary Edition - May 2017
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo or the fifth of May is a minor holiday in Mexico. Many think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence day but Mexican Independence day is celebrated September 16. The holiday began in the 1960’s and commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1861-1867. In Mexico and in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into traditions that include parades, street festivals, traditional food, and mariachi bands.
In the United States Cinco de Mayo is regarded as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, especially in areas with large Mexican–American populations.
In the classroom, teachers can devise activities that teach students about Cinco de Mayo and the country of Mexico. These activities will allow students to learn the importance of different cultures and their important contributions to the world. You can join in the fun by visiting this link.
http://www.theholidayspot.com/cinco_de_mayo/
"Cinco De Mayo." TheHolidaySpot - Festivals and Holidays. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
Engaging-Relevant -Personal
Cinco de Mayo in Springfield, Mo...
Grupo Latinoamericano and the Springfield Art Museum will present an event showcasing the culture of Mexico.
There will be:
- An authentic presentation of Mexican regional folkloric dances performed by Grupo Latino-Americano Dance Troupe
- Live mariachi music by David Guevara
- Cultural exhibits
- Mexican arts and crafts
- Games, food, and activities for all ages, free gifts and more...
The festival will take place at the Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside
Saturday, May 6th, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
K-6 Grades: Cinco de Mayo: 5 Activities for Teachers to Use in Their Classrooms
"Cinco de Mayo: 5 Activities for Teachers to Use in Their Classrooms." St Thomas University Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017. <http://online.stu.edu/cinco-de-mayo-classroom-activities/>.
Culturally Responsive Instruction
Cultural responsiveness is defined as the ability to learn, relate and respect people from other cultures as well as those from your own culture. Culture plays an important role in communicating, receiving information and shaping our thinking process of other individuals. Consequently, Culturally Responsive Teaching occurs when we recognize the value of culture in all aspects of learning. As we acknowledge that our classrooms, in many cases are a reflection of one culture, we can begin to incorporate the culture of others. "Dr. Cynthia Lindgren offers simple strategies for engaging your students in culturally responsive teaching."
Culturally Responsive Instruction
"Culturally Responsive Instruction for Holiday and Religious Celebrations." Culturally Responsive Instruction for Holiday and Religious Celebrations | Colorín Colorado. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2017. <http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/culturally-responsive-instruction-holiday-and-religious-celebrations>.
Book of the Month
Cinco de Mayo is available in most Springfield Public School Libraries.
Celebrating Great Latinos
Ideas for summer learning fun
Can you believe that summer vacation is almost here and your students are counting down the days? But, before summer vacation begins you might need to send their parents a much-needed life preserver. It is important to keep students engaged in learning during the summer and to rescue them from boredom. Reading Rockets have some ideas that will be a life saver for your students and their parents. It is not too late for students to register for Explore which includes Ujima, a literacy class, and African American Studies which is a new addition to Explore.
"Get Ready for Summer! Ideas for Teachers to Share with Families." Reading Rockets. N.p., 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 18 Apr. 2017. <http://www.readingrockets.org/article/get-ready-summer-ideas-teachers-share-families>.
Care to Learn Feedback
Coming Events
Cinco de Mayo Festivities in Springfield
Grupo Latinoamericano and the Springfield Art Museum will present an event showcasing the culture of Mexico.
There will be:
- An authentic presentation of Mexican regional folkloric dances performed by Grupo Latino-Americano Dance Troupe
- Live mariachi music by David Guevara
- Cultural exhibits
- Mexican arts and crafts
- Games, food, and activities for all ages, free gifts and more...
The festival will take place at the Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside
Saturday, May 6th, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
May 10- 6:00pm to 8:00pm
at Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center
918 E. Calhoun Street
Fun Reading Activities for Early Elementary Students
Bring the whole Family for Dinner, Books, and Fun
InspirED PBL Grants
Are there PBL units you dream of exploring with your students that would connect them more fully to the diversity that IS America? Have you thought about ways to inspire students to “see it” AND “be it”?
InspirED PBL grants are designed to support SPS teachers in developing more culturally relevant and inclusive PBL units beyond food and festivals.
Teachers are invited to submit proposals for the first InspirED Grants. Each grant will provide teachers with:
· $500.00 for writing a culturally relevant/inclusive unit
· $500.00 to fund materials to implement it