Looking for some engaging Cinco de Mayo activities for Spanish class?
Here are my top 7 favorite Cinco de Mayo Spanish activities to help you plan an exciting day and to ensure that your students learn the real history behind the celebration.
1. Join the Cinco de Mayo Spanish Teacher Pre-Party!
On the World Language Cafe Facebook Page, I share tips for celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Spanish class (printable, recipes, video clips, etc). Comment on the posts to enter a drawing for a free copy of my Cinco de Mayo Bundle.
2. Put up some colorful Cinco de Mayo decorations.
Make your own papel picado banner or even better, have the kids make them for extra credit.
Here’s a free printable fiesta banner from iheartnaptime.net.
3. Start class with a Cinco de Mayo joke.
Start Cinco de Mayo with a joke about a boat full of mayonnaise that sinks. You’ll be surprised how many of your students believe this.
The ship hit an iceberg and sank and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course as Sinko de Mayo.
4. Hand out this free Cinco de Mayo worksheet in Spanish or English.
Your students fill out the important info. while they watch videos explaining the holiday. It’s in my Free Resource Library.
5. Watch Cinco de Mayo videos, including one of a mariachi flash mob.
Why? Just because it’s fun! And it showcases how important mariachi bands are to Mexican culture, plus your band students will think this is THE BEST! You could even have this showing as your students walk into class.
Show some videos explaining the history of Cinco de Mayo and debunking classic Cinco de Mayo myths.
6. Make some simple Cinco de Mayo crafts and give the instructions all in Spanish.
Following simple instructions in Spanish is a great language learning skill. Students pay way more attention in class when they’re working on a hands-on activity.
Here are a few of my favorites (mostly because they’re pretty simple, inexpensive, and look pretty.
7. Have students bring in authentic Hispanic food.
Before eating, each group or student talks about which ingredients they used and how they made it in Spanish.
Check out 23 Cinco de Mayo recipe ideas from DIYprojects.com.
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