Cultural Group Project By Lesley DuBois CIT 506 (23515) Social, Multicultural, Historical and Philosophical Issues Nova Southeastern University September 14, 2008

What is culture? “The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought characteristic of a community or a population” (p. 454) Reflects the geography, ethnicity, language, religion, and history of a group of people (Cushner, McClelland, & Safford, 2009)

Critical Information: Hispanic & Latino Americans comprise over 14% of United States’ population come from over 20 different countries in Central and South America bringing various subpopulations and subcultures value the concepts of familismo (close family ties), personalismo (people-centered living), and simpatia (easy going, pleasant personal qualities)

Expectations PARENTS family is the nucleus of Hispanic life educating the student helps increase the possibility that all family members will experience educational success do not adapt to new environments as easily as their children STUDENTS have closer personal space value physical contact appearance and group membership are very important will work hard for the goals of a group/ the community

Factors Influencing Immigration to the United States came to North America long before Europeans the Spanish explored, settled, and claimed lands in California and Florida United States government also annexed lands from Mexico that include present-day Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and California

Characteristics of Language Most Hispanic children are bilingual. If a student struggles with his/ her native language, he/ she will most likely struggle with English language skills and reading comprehension. Increased emphasis on bilingual programs/ methods will help students become proficient in both the native language and English.

Important Dates/ Holidays May 5: Cinco de Mayo; celebration of Mexico’s defeat over France Hispanic Heritage Month September 15: Independence Day in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua September 16: Independence Day in Mexico September 18: Independence Day in Chile

References Brigham Young University: McKay School of Education (2008). “Diversity: Diversity and unity- cultural groups.” Retrieved 13 September 2008 from Crushner, K., McClelland, A., & Safford, P. (2009). Human Diversity in Education: An Integrated Approach, 6 th Edition, McGraw Hill: NY