Mexican Culture Eunice Teel EDU 639: MRE1413C Instructor: Joyce Frazier May 5, 2014

Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the Mexican Army winning a war over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, Cinco de Mayo traditions include street festivals, parades, and music performances. It is a wonderful time to teach children about a different culture and country.

Background and History In 1861 a three year civil war ended with a victory for Mexico's liberals and the election of Benito Juarez as president. Conservatives, resistant to the reforms of Juarez's government, called on Europe for help. While England and Spain saw an opportunity to demand repayment of debts incurred during the Mexican-American War, which had ended in 1848, France planned to use the turmoil in Mexico as a chance to expand their empire. As Napoleon III sent an army to Mexico, England and Spain abandoned their financial demands.

Background and History In May of 1862, the French invasion force met the Mexican army at the town of Puebla in central Mexico. After four hours of fighting the Mexicans emerged victorious. The Battle of Puebla proved to be more of a morale boost than anything else, as the French went on to seize the entire country and install the Austrian nobleman Maximilian von Hapsburg as emperor.

Background and History Juarez's forces continued the struggle against French occupation, and in 1867 Napoleon III gave up and called his army home. Juarez had Emperor Maximilian executed. The anniversary of Mexico's defeat of a formidable French force on May 5, 1862 became a yearly commemoration of heroism, celebrated most fervently in the region of Puebla.

How To Provide The Best Curriculum As Early Childhood teachers, we must help children understand diversity and cultural differences so that children can feel welcome being in a multicultural environment. As a teacher, I must examine our own values, knowledge, and teaching practices about diversity to avoid biased multicultural education. Children should learn about this at an early age. Children will then have a positive attitude about others around them. Combining anti-bias multicultural curriculum goals into the learning of all children shows the needs and interest of the children. This builds upon what children already know.

Curriculum Activities to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity a) Cooking activities from Mexican cultures, b) Celebrating Cinco de Mayo, c) cultural art activities d) Dance and folk Music of Mexican Culture

Curriculum Diversity as part of routines and play: a) Ethnic foods served as meals or snacks b) Teacher use some words in different language c) Music from different cultures is part of nap time d) Greetings in different language e) Games played in different language f) Art materials associated with the culture h) Musical instruments representing the culture

Curriculum Materials and props to show cultural diversity. a) Books, puzzles, small toy people, posters from the culture, maps, dress up clothing representing the customs b) Play food representing the culture c) Baby dolls and equipment representing the culture.

Songs "It's Cinco de Mayo Today" (sung to the tune of "The Farmer and the Dell") It's Cinco de Mayo today! It's Cinco de Mayo today! Let's clap our hands and sing "Ole". It's Cinco de Mayo today!

Songs "Come Join the Fun" (sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques") Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Mayo Is lots of fun, Is lots of fun Many celebrations Loved ones get together Come join the fun, with everyone

Art Maracas Have children decorate two paper plates. Fill with beans, corn, or rice (be mindful of choking hazard for younger children). Staple or tape the 2 plates together. Cinco de Mayo Streamers Use empty toilet paper rolls and glue or tie red and green streamers or ribbon. Have children wave their streamers around, as they dance to Mexican Music. Make red, white, and green paper chains to decorate the room.

Activities Jumping Beans game (like musical chairs) Play Mexican music and tell children to jump around like Mexican jumping means. When the music stops, have them stop jumping. Anyone who is still moving, moves out of the game (maybe they can play the music next). Last person left is the winner.

Activities Teach children how to count to ten in Spanish, starting on May 1 during calendar time. I would let them listen in to audio and go along with it. Talk about the colors of the Mexican flag. Show pictures of places in Mexico. Talk about products that come from Mexico. Prepare a Mexican meal with tacos, chips and salsa, burritos, etc. I will set up a taco bar that allows children to add their own toppings.

Recommendations Use visual aids often. Include hands-on activities to display concepts. Allow plenty of wait time. Model spoken language, but refrain from embarrassing students with verbal correction in front of others. Avoid forcing language learners to speak. Encourage them to contribute when they are ready.