You want to share the culture, history, and sites of Mexico in Spanish class, but how can you narrow down an entire Internet search into a series of lesson plans? Or maybe you are trying to find one or two resources to enhance a lesson about everyday vocabulary like the house or music. Trying to find cultural elements that are accessible, comprehensible, and ready to use can be difficult. I’ve gathered the best resources to teach an unforgettable unit on Mexico in Spanish class.
Virtual Field Trips to Mexico
If you can’t physically travel to Mexico, and let’s be honest, most of us do not have the opportunity to take our students on trips like this, then the next best thing is a virtual field trip! You can use pre-made trips like the ones I have designed on Google Earth – learn more about creating your own here. You can also use virtual tours of websites and have students explore on their own. Here are some of my favorites:
- Frida Kahlo’s La Casa Azul in Spanish or English
- Mexico: A Country Overview Tour in Spanish or English or a Bundle
- Poinsettia Greenhouses in Mexico in Spanish or English or a Bundle
- 3D Tour of Mexico City’s Monuments – Google Arts & Culture
Poinsettia and Marigolds
These two flowers are synonymous with Mexico and some very special holidays: Navidad and Día de muertos respectively. You can share the importance, historical significance, cultural significance, and economic impact of these flowers with these activities. Some farmers’ income relies heavily on the sale of these flowers during holidays. Here are more activities for a unique twist on Christmas lessons in Spanish class with the poinsettia.
- Legend of the Marigold
- History of the Marigold
- Field Trip to Poinsettia Greenhouses
- History of the Poinsettia
- Legend of the Poinsettia
Duolingo Podcast Episodes
Duolingo is not just an app for learning vocabulary and grammar. It also offers a great intermediate level bilingual podcast, filled with rich, cultural stories. I am always learning something new and exciting when listening to these episodes. Duolingo does an amazing job highlighting different countries and cultures around the Hispanic world. Here are some of my favorite episodes about Mexico, but you’ll find many more if you keep searching! There was even a whole series of episodes about Mexico City!
- Mexico City – Mujeres muralistas (I used this during an art unit!)
- Mexico City – Perros de La Condesa
- Harvesting Rain in Mexico
Cinco de Mayo Lessons
You may choose not to teach about Cinco de Mayo due to its lack of significance in Mexico. However, since so many Americans think it is an important day, you may want to highlight its historical significance and true meaning. Learn about how you can teach about the history of Cinco de Mayo and debunk any myths your students may have heard!
Fun Facts
It can be hard to cover the entire country, history, geography, culture, etc. in a short unit. Why not share some fun facts that give an overview of Mexico? You could start each day with a fact or use it as a gallery walk for an introduction to your Mexico unit study. For example, did you know that mole poblano is a salsa made with chocolate, or that axolotls, found in Mexican lakes, are in danger of extinction. Here are 10 fun facts in Spanish, English, or a bundle.
Look at Authentic Homes
The most authentic way to look at homes is on a real estate listings website. You can choose various cities, styles of homes, price points, etc. with the filter options. Inmuebles 24 or Vivanuncios are great websites. Students can choose homes to explore and then decide which they would want to live in. Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul offers a virtual tour and here is a virtual field trip. Even though it is now a museum, it is a museum of her house, with a tour of the different rooms like kitchen, bedroom, studio, etc.
Another amazing resource is Google Earth’s: This is Home where students can do 360 tours of homes around the world, including one in Oaxaca, Mexico! You’ll step foot directly into Mexico in Spanish class!
Check out tons of other resources for a house unit on my blog post!
Current Events
Study current events from Mexico in Spanish class with a news site such as El Universal or La Jornada. For novice level students, you could show images/headlines and discuss in basic language what the main idea is. For intermediate and advanced students, they can do weekly current events reports or you could choose one article to read together. Get some current events templates and activities on my current events blog post.
De mi rancho a tu cocina
Authentic videos and speaking resources are hard to come by. Here is one of my favorites – a YouTube channel of a Mexican abuela sharing her favorite traditional recipes. De mi rancho a tu cocina is an excellent authentic resource. Not only will students learn a lot about food and recipes, but they will see a traditional home, clothing, decorations, and more within the videos.
Izta y Popo Legend
Many years ago, in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, there was an emperor who had a daughter, Izta. His daughter would one day take over his kingdom, but he didn’t trust anyone else. After falling ill, he issues a proclamation that whichever warrior is brave enough to defeat his enemy can marry Izta. Popo, the bravest warrior wins the battle, but due to jealous warriors, Izta is told that he died in battle. Popo builds two pyramids to honor her and forever rest with his love. Over time, these pyramids convert into the volcanoes still standing in Mexico.
As you read this legend, you can tie in any one of these themes: love (Valentine’s Day), nature (study the volcanoes!), or Aztec culture (see more below). Get a set of differentiated texts, vocabulary, comprehension questions, and retell images in Spanish, English, or a bundle.
Aztec Empire
The Aztec built their empire in present day Mexico. There are countless ways you can teach about the Aztec Empire, including the ruins, history, innovations, daily life, and more. I like to include some of Diego Rivera’s artwork, as he highlighted life during Aztec times in some of his paintings. One of my favorite murals to show and dissect with my students is: La Gran Tenochtitlan. Learn more about it on my blog post. You can also share legends and myths from the Aztec empire to help students understand the way of life.
Music
There are tons of styles of music and many famous musicians come from Mexico. Create a music bracket where you listen to a bunch of styles or artists and students vote on their favorites! If you only have time to focus on one style, mariachi music is synonymous with Mexico. Share some famous songs and teach about the instruments and clothing. Here is an IPA about mariachi and family life.
So, take a deep dive (or a quick trip) to Mexico in Spanish class. Pick and choose which of these fun, authentic, and engaging resources best fit your classroom needs. Your students will have an unforgettable experience learning about Mexico in Spanish class.
