TeachersFirst's Hispanic Americans' Contribution to American Culture
This collection of resources celebrates the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to American culture. From literature and art to music and cuisine, Hispanic Americans have played an integral role in shaping the nation's identity, infusing it with vibrant traditions and innovative perspectives. Through historical narratives, educational materials, and multimedia content, this compilation aims to illuminate the diverse voices and experiences that have influenced everything from the civil rights movement to contemporary pop culture. By exploring these resources, we honor the past and recognize the ongoing impact of Hispanic Americans in crafting a more inclusive and dynamic society.

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Unveiling Hidden Stars: remarkable Latino contributions in the history of the United States - UnidosUS
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): hispanic (46)
In the Classroom
Create cards with the names of lesser-known Latino figures on one set and their contributions on another. Students can work in pairs or small groups to match them correctly. As a class or in small groups, have students build a visual timeline featuring the historical events and figures mentioned in the article. Use Sutori, reviewed here or Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here and include images, dates, and impact statements. Students can review their current history textbook's index or chapters to see how (or if) Latino contributions are represented. They can compare it to information from the UnidosUS article.Hispanic Heritage Month - National Archives
Grades
3 to 6tag(s): civil rights (219), cultures (226), hispanic (46), immigrants (48)
In the Classroom
Introduce students to influential Hispanic Americans featured on the site (ex., Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Dolores Huerta). Read short biographical clues aloud while students guess who is described. Then, show a related photo or document from the Archives. Using images and brief descriptions from the site, students can create a timeline highlighting key moments and contributions of Hispanic Americans in U.S. history. Do this with chart paper, index cards, or a digital tool like Sutori, reviewed here or Timeline, reviewed here. Give students an age-appropriate primary source (photo, letter, or poster). In small groups, they can act as "document detectives" to answer guided questions about who created it, why, and what it tells us about Hispanic heritage.9 Resources for Teaching About Hispanic Heritage - International Society for Technology in Education
Grades
3 to 8In the Classroom
Students can explore the Latino Culture in the U.S. exhibit on Google Arts & Culture. In small groups, have students select one artwork or artifact and then share what they learned with the class in a mini "gallery talk." Using tools like Google Slides, reviewed here or Canva, reviewed here, students can create a digital story map that highlights the life and achievements of a notable Hispanic or Latino figure. Include images, quotes, and key facts. After exploring resources like the Smithsonian Learning Lab, students can create a collage (digital using Photo Joiner, reviewed here or physical) that represents elements of Hispanic culture--such as food, festivals, music, and language--along with brief descriptions.Hispanic Heritage Month for Kids - KidsKonnect
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (226), famous people (28), hispanic (46)
In the Classroom
In small groups, students create a visual collage (paper or digital using PhotoCollage reviewed here) of Hispanic and Latino foods, music, holidays, and famous figures from the video. Students select a Hispanic or Latino figure from the video and, using an "I Am" poem format, write in that person's voice, sharing their background, dreams, and impact. Before watching, introduce 3-5 trivia questions based on the video (ex., "Which cartoon character teaches Spanish while adventuring?"). Students answer as they watch, then discuss in pairs or small groups afterward.Influential Hispanic Americans - Biography.com
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): famous people (28), hispanic (46)
In the Classroom
Create a list of fun facts (ex., "Find someone who won an Olympic medal" or "Find a person who was a Supreme Court Justice") and have students search the article to match each clue with the correct person. Choose two individuals from different fields, such as music vs. science, and have students complete a Venn diagram. The Venn diagram can be done on paper or online using Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students write an imaginary interview with a historical figure from the article. Have students create a list of five thoughtful questions and what the person might say in response.Facts about US Latinos - Pew Research Center
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cultures (226), hispanic (46), population (51)
In the Classroom
Post key statistics from the article around the classroom. Students can rotate in pairs or small groups, reading and discussing each fact. Use prompts like "What surprises you?" or "Why might this be important?" Students write a short argumentative essay using statistics from the article to support a claim such as "Latino contributions are essential to the future of the U.S.". Using the article's breakdown of Latino origins (ex., Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban), students create a U.S. map showing where different Latino populations are most concentrated. Consider completing the map online using Google My Maps, reviewed here.9 National Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Students - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): art history (108), creative writing (126), cultures (226), hispanic (46)
In the Classroom
Students can use MyLens reviewed here to create a timeline of events leading up to the Grape Strike and boycott. Introduce students to traditional Hispanic music genres like salsa, mariachi, or reggaeton. Follow with a discussion or simple dance session to explore how music reflects cultural identity. Read a poem or story by a Hispanic author (e.g., Gary Soto or Sandra Cisneros), then have students write a short piece inspired by the themes, style, or setting of the work.The Latin Rhythms of Despacito - Teach Rock
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): hispanic (46), music theory (47), rhythm (22)
In the Classroom
Play short clips of Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, and Salsa to introduce students to the rhythms discussed in the lesson. Ask students to identify the unique rhythm patterns in each style and discuss how these rhythms are used in modern music. Divide the class into small groups, each assigned to one of the four Latin genres (Reggaeton, Musica Jibara, Cumbia, Salsa). Have groups create a playlist of songs that exemplify the genre and explain why these songs fit within the musical style. Introduce students to the dance styles associated with each genre (e.g., salsa dancing and Reggaeton movement). Discuss how music and dance are culturally interconnected and how they reflect the communities from which they originated. Have students listen to "Despacito" and analyze the lyrics for their cultural references, themes, and storytelling techniques. Students could compare the lyrics of "Despacito" to another popular song, discussing similarities and differences in themes, cultural references, and music styles. Compare lyrics using a tool such as ClassTools Interactive Venn Diagrams reviewed here. You can click on the right side to choose between a two or three-circle Venn diagram.Hispanic Heritage Month - National Education Association
Grades
K to 12tag(s): central america (26), cross cultural understanding (178), cultures (226), dance (33), hispanic (46), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Have students select a country from the Hispanic world and research its culture, traditions, and famous figures. They can create a presentation or a digital poster to share with the class, allowing students to explore diverse aspects of Hispanic heritage using a platform such as Canva, reviewed here. Using a large map of Latin America and Spain, have students pin locations based on historical events or contributions of notable Hispanic individuals discussed in class using a resource such as Google My Maps, reviewed here. Invite a guest speaker from the local Hispanic community or arrange a virtual field trip to a Hispanic cultural center or museum. Introduce students to traditional Hispanic music and dance styles like salsa, flamenco, or mariachi.National Museum of the American Latino - Smithsonian
Grades
K to 12tag(s): art history (108), cultures (226), hispanic (46), virtual field trips (131)
In the Classroom
Using the Smithsonian Latino Center's digital collections, have students choose a cultural artifact. Examples could be a piece of art, clothing, or an important document. Have students explore the virtual exhibits and collections from the Smithsonian Latino Center. Afterward, they can create a digital or physical gallery walk, selecting their favorite pieces or artifacts and writing brief descriptions. Host a classroom or school-wide event where students explore various aspects of Latino culture, from music and dance to food and traditions. Students can collaborate to create a short performance or video that encapsulates what they've learned or invite local Latino artists or community members to share their experiences.Famous Latinos and Latinas - National Museum of the American Latino
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
After visiting the website, students can create a Google Slide, reviewed here, or Book Creator, reviewed here about a person that is listed on the site to share. Students can also use School AI, reviewed here to have a conversation with the person. Finally, students can have a classroom debate as to who is the most influential Latino or Latina.Hispanic Heritage Month Art Lesson Ideas - Art With Trista
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): artists (87), central america (26), cross cultural understanding (178), hispanic (46), mexico (46), picasso (5), posters (43), south america (77)
In the Classroom
Although some of the artist summaries include links to purchase lessons, the information on this site provides an excellent starting point for learning about Hispanic artists and suggestions for student art projects. Use Figjam, reviewed here to create a collaborative presentation for students to explore the works of the artists mentioned on this site and others. Include links to videos and articles that provide biographical information on the artists and tell more of their stories. Extend learning by asking students to select an artist and create a work in their style. Share student projects throughout Hispanic Heritage Month to learn more about each artist and the different types of art represented in their works.Hispanic Heritage Month - Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artists (87), central america (26), cross cultural understanding (178), dance (33), hispanic (46), south america (77), women (154)
In the Classroom
Include this site with other resources you use to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Find additional ideas at the TeachersFirst Special Topics Page: National Hispanic Heritage Month Resources, reviewed here. As students learn about Hispanic countries, use MapHub, reviewed here to create interactive maps with photos of important locations. Take students on a virtual visit using Google Arts and Culture, reviewed here to learn more about Hispanic locations, culture, and significant members of the Hispanic community using "Hispanic" as a keyword search.Latinx Authors and History - CommonLit
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): differentiation (86), hispanic (46), literature (221), poetry (195), reading comprehension (152), Teacher Utilities (202)
In the Classroom
Learn more about the many valuable features and options provided by CommonLit, reviewed here. Assign and include these informational texts as part of a Hispanic Heritage Month unit, non-fiction lessons, or as part of a poetry unit. Differentiate activities based on student interest and reading abilities using the materials included in this text set. Enhance student learning by challenging students to create a concept map using mindmaps, reviewed here, that shares information and key concepts learned from these activities. Extend student learning by asking them to create an interactive map to learn more about the featured Latinx individuals and movements using StoryMaps, reviewed here. Include images, videos, documents, and more to tell the stories of the featured individuals with StoryMaps.Cesar Chavez: Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist Video - PBS Learning Media
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): agriculture (52), hispanic (46), migration (45)
In the Classroom
Create a free PBS Learning Media account to add this video and resources to a learning activity. Then, easily add questions related to the video on a slide presentation that includes the video and other resources from PBS or your device. Assign Learning Media lessons to a class you create, to Google Classroom, or get a quick assign code to share with students to access the lessons without signing in. Creating and assigning a task with several learning activities works well with flipped and blended learning activities. Extend learning by asking students to research and learn about other Hispanic leaders. Ask them to share their knowledge by creating interactive images using Genially, reviewed here, explainer videos using moovly, reviewed here, or podcast episodes hosted on Buzzsprout, reviewed here.Teaching Central America: Teaching Ideas for Elementary - Teaching for Change
Grades
K to 6tag(s): book lists (168), central america (26), ecosystems (85), hispanic (46), migration (45)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save Teaching Central America as a resource for finding multicultural books and lessons to include in your classroom for Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year. Organize your saved bookmarks using Padlet, reviewed here. For example, create a column that includes your saved ideas for teaching about Central America, another for the Caribbean, and one for South America. Use Google My Maps, reviewed here, either as a class or with groups of students, to create interactive maps of places students learn about in Central America. Add links to your website or a column to the Padlet for class-created activities, informational articles, and videos that extend learning beyond the resources shared on this site. Some of the teaching materials include correlation to standards.The Kennedy Center Dance Collection - The Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 12tag(s): chinese new year (5), cross cultural understanding (178), cultures (226), dance (33), hispanic (46), jazz (17), native americans (116), poetry (195), stories and storytelling (63)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many free resources on this site to add dance to music lessons and cultural units and enrich topics featuring people and places worldwide. Each resource includes tags, and the lessons include suggested grade levels, use these links to find additional resources for classroom use. As you include information from this site, use an online whiteboard tool such as FigJam, reviewed here, to engage students in learning. For example, add a link to a video from the site about a featured artist and ask students to share their learning or post questions to explore further. Ask students to share their understanding using one of the many tools found Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here. For example, ask students to create a website of a featured dance style, while other students create a video sharing dance and cultural information about their chosen group of people or country.Reading Treks: The Distance Between Us - TeachersFirst
Grades
5 to 9tag(s): hispanic (46), identity (37), immigrants (48), mexico (46)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many suggested classroom uses for this resource found on the Instructional Guide (PDF). After reading this book and completing the activities found in the Reading Trek, ask students to document their identity using a tool like Odyssey, reviewed here. Use Odyssey to create a map-based story that includes images, text, videos, and photos. Find more ideas for teaching identity at this Discover My Identity Lesson Plan, reviewed here.Reading Treks: Esperanza Rising - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 6tag(s): 1920s (5), 1930s (20), great depression (30), hispanic (46), immigrants (48), racism (83)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many suggested classroom uses for this resource found on the Instructional Guide (PDF). This book and the suggested activities work well as part of lessons on racism and living conditions in the 1920s and 1930s on Mexican farms. Consider using the historical information and primary sources from the book to have students create timelines of the important events during the story. Find a variety of free online timeline creation tools located here. Use Google My Maps, reviewed here to create and share custom maps. As students conduct research related to life on Mexican farms during the 1920s and 1930s, use Fiskkit, reviewed here as a collaborative discussion tool. Use Fiskkit to share the link of any online article with students, then the site's tools provide the opportunity to highlight and add comments to areas within the article by users.All About the Holidays - PBS Learning Media
Grades
K to 12tag(s): 100thday (9), back to school (55), chinese new year (5), christmas (38), cinco de mayo (10), easter (10), elections (81), fathers day (17), fire prevention (17), flag day (5), halloween (33), hanukkah (12), hispanic (46), holidays (194), july 4th (12), Juneteenth (22), kwanzaa (12), labor day (5), martin luther king (46), new years (5), pi (28), presidents (136), rosh hashanah (13), st patricks day (12), thanksgiving (24), valentines day (11), veterans (27), women (154), womenchangemaker (39), womens suffrage (52), yom kippur (15)