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Open the Door to a World of Hispanic Heritage

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that have shaped our nation. It’s a meaningful opportunity to bring these stories into the classroom—from the achievements of trailblazing scientists and artists to the rich traditions passed down through generations. In this collection, we've gathered lesson plans, videos, and resources to help you and your students explore this vibrant heritage together.

Grades 3-6

Reading Treks: Esperanza Rising

Follow along with Esperanza’s journey and deepen students’ curiosity about the places featured in “Esperanza Rising” with this Reading Trek. Explore Mexican and Californian landmarks and geography, complete with a map and hands-on lesson ideas.

Grades 5-9

Reading Treks: The Distance Between Us

Retrace the path of Reyna Grande and her family's journey to the United States as an undocumented teen in this Reading Trek. Use the interactive map and downloadable guide to bring her story to life for your students.

Grades K-12

Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with bilingual materials, virtual exhibitions, lesson plans, and stories highlighting Latino contributions in this resource hub from the National Museum of the American Latino.

Grades 3-12

Hispanic Heritage Month Art Lesson Ideas

From Frida Kahlo to Diego Rivera this site helps students learn about 11 influential Hispanic artists and offers several hands-on art lesson ideas perfect for elementary and middle school classrooms.

Grades 6-12

Hispanic American/Latino American History

Bring Hispanic and Latino history to life through National Park Service historic places. The site features lesson plans on Spanish treasure fleets, the Texas-Mexico border region, figures like suffragist and educator Nina Otero Warren, and more.

Grades 4-12

Influential Hispanic Americans

Meet 24 influential Hispanic Americans—from Sonia Sotomayor and Roberto Clemente to Dolores Huerta and Ellen Ochoa—who have shaped politics, science, sports, and the arts, perfect for introducing students to real-world role models.

Grades 3-12

Pacifico Dance Company: On Stage at the Kennedy Center

Watch performance excerpts from the Pacífico Dance Company, including the Mexican Hat Dance and traditional dances from Michoacán. The site also includes discussion questions and teaching strategies to explore Mexican culture through music and movement.

Grades K-12

National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian Latino Center site provides educators with access to Latino stories through exhibitions, educator resources, and events, such as the ¡Puro Ritmo! salsa exhibition and the Molina Family Latino Gallery.

Grades K-12

Hispanic Heritage Month

A comprehensive collection of lessons, book lists, videos, and interactive activities from NEA for early childhood through higher education, covering Latino history, culture, civil rights, music, and hands-on classroom projects.

Grades 4-8

The Latin Rhythms of Despacito

In this 90-minute lesson, students analyze "Despacito" to trace its Reggaeton, Cumbia, Salsa, and Música Jíbara influences and explore how Latin American genres have shaped popular music in the United States.

Grades 3-12

6 National Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Students

These ready-to-use activities for elementary through high school cover topics like Chicano artwork, Ellen Ochoa's space career, and literature by Sandra Cisneros and Cristina Henríquez.

Grades 9-12

Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution

This lesson helps students explore how history shapes art. Students research prominent artists and figures of the Mexican Revolution, then create original artwork in the style of an early 20th-century Mexican artist.

Grades 3-7

Hispanic Heritage Month for Kids

This KidsKonnect video introduces the origins and significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, including Sotomayor, Chavez, Moreno, and Miranda. Geared toward elementary/middle schoolers, it covers identity, immigration, and fun trivia like Dora the Explorer.

This Week at TeachersFirst

Join us this Tuesday for the next free OK2Ask virtual workshop and check out our blog post all about Hispanic Heritage Month! We also have a special collection and a professional article related to Hispanic Americans’ amazing contributions.