The resources on this page have been researched for their authenticity and respect for Hispanic/Latino heritage, using culture bearers as much as possible!
Find authentic elementary music activities and resources for Hispanic Heritage Month. Resources include literature connections, famous musicians, decor, culture, and more.
This nationally recognized heritage month extends from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to celebrate Hispanic/Latino music, culture, people, and history.
The Playlist
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Introducing Hispanic Heritage Month
Let’s introduce the celebration with this great video by Nickelodeon! It includes a quick look at the countries, music, food, and famous people who represent Hispanic Heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month Songs & Activities for the Classroom
Cuban Music & Clave Rhythms
Here’s an 8 minute video on Cuban music where Miss Jessica brings in Cuban Jazz pianist/vocalist, Iliana Rose. Themes are Cuba, Musical Influences, Genres, and the claves. (how to correctly play them and some common patterns)
Lesson Plan Idea: Use as an introduction to Cuban music then clap the 3-2 and 2-3 clave parts along with Jessica. They play together a bit on the song, El Manisero, The Peanut Vendor. Then use this full play version (below) and play the claves.
El Manisero-THREE versions below!
The vocal video shows the 2-3 clave part being played so would be a great video for playing along using claves. You can simplify the part initially by JUST playing on the 2s. Students can follow by imitation, seeing as you prepare to play on the rest-1-2 and play along with you. How about splitting the room into the 2s and 3s then try playing the entire pattern.
The instrumental version is GOLDEN! It’s harder to hear the pattern at times but the vibe and instrumental learning is fabulous!
Play Along to El Manisero
This instrumental play along to El Manisero can be played on your choice of ukulele, claves, Orff barred instruments, and Boomwhackers. It also includes an EASY dance break!
Rhythm Sticks Play-Along | Gloria Estefan’s La Vecina
Here’s a lively elementary music rhythm sticks play-along to Gloria Estefan’s Cuban hit La Vecina!
Students in grades K–5 can practice steady beat and simple quarter/eighth note rhythms while experiencing the groove of Latin music.
Los Machetes
Here is some history about the famous dance from Jalisco, Mexico. This dance has been adapted for students and is used in lots of elementary music classrooms.
Here are some adaptions.
When my kids performed it, we used 2 lines of students facing partners. Instead of walking in a circle, we faced one way and tapped the beat, then at the phrase change, switched directions. Then we faced our partners for the over/unders.
De Colores
De Colores is a popular Mexican folksong of unknown origins. It is a popular choice in many elementary schools for its bright beautiful melody and lyrics.
De Colores is included in the Ukulele & Orff 4-Song Pack on TPT.
Mariachi Music | Movement & Music Activities
Let’s move to mariachi music using body percussion, steady beat, and locomotor and non-locomotor movements!
La Raspa
The History
La Raspa is said to have begun in Veracruz and “raspa” possibly comes from the verb “raspere” meaning “to grate upon.” The Latin instrument the guiro would be a perfect reason for this name but grating could also be referring to the scissor-like movements of the legs.
The Dance
Instead of a boy/girl couple and very distinct differences between their parts, I use partners who do the same moves and the movements are a melding of the two original parts.
A section: two hand claps at the end of each phrase, three jumps with alternating feet forward, heels up
B section: swing turns with a partner
The Teaching Process
Teach each move separately!
- Sit and practice the clapping part. On the B section, roll your arms to simulate the upcoming swings and to have something to do on the B section.
- Add swing turns: Face your partner and hook OPPOSITE arms together. “If you’re both facing the same direction, one of you needs to turn around.” Skip around each other in a circle. Switch arms and go the other way.
- Finally, add the jumping feet part.
You can see all the variations! At 1:15 in “La Raspa Jalisco,” you can see a right arm swing turn version.
Fronteras
This Move It movement activity is to the song Fronteras by Gaby Moreno. Here are lyrics in English/Spanish.
In an interview, Moreno explains, ““It’s (Fronteras) a message of hope, it’s a message of telling all those people who came to this country or are living in this country who are hard workers, who are honest people who just want a better life…”
Cup of Life by Ricky Martin | BODY PERCUSSION
La Bamba
This beautiful recording by Music Museum Online is the perfect combination of Spanish and English in a recording accessible to young singers. Check out their YouTube song page for the history, lyrics, and info on this classic song.
Hispanic Heritage Month Classroom & Performance Decor
Hispanic Heritage Month Music Bulletin Board
Choose 5 countries that represent your school community!
This bulletin board highlights Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia, and Guatemala with a prominent music genre and instruments!
Fiesta Flowers, Fans, & Banners
Colorful 16-Piece Decorations for Multi-Purpose Use!
For bulletin boards, classroom doors, & stages.
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Fiesta Banner
90 Feet of Fiesta Banner!
String across your classroom or stage areas!
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Literature With Integrated Music for Hispanic Heritage Month
Eloísa’s Musical Window
Author Margarita Engle uses a story from her mother’s childhood in Cuba to explore all the ways music was part of their lives. Illustrator John Parra’s colorful images bring the story to life.
Adela’s Mariachi Band
Author Denise Vega and illustrator Erika Rodriquez Medina have created a charming story about a family that teaches about mariachi music.
The Secret of the Platano
Set in the Dominican Republic, this book by Luz Maria Mack (author) and Stephany Mesa (illustrator) is about Abuela who helps her curious grandson discover the rhythm of his heartbeat while listening to the secret of the plátanos.
Just Help
This book by Sonia Sotomayor (author) and Angela Dominguez (illustrator) is about community. Every night when Sonia goes to bed, Mami asks her the same question: How did you help today?
Famous Musicians With Hispanic Heritage
Movement Activity to Celia Cruz’s Guantanamera
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Latin Legend José Feliciano
Find a mega resource that includes a biography and some of his greatest hits such as Light My Fire, Listen to the Falling Rain, and Feliz Navidad.
Get a FREE Orff arrangement of Feliz Navidad!
Los Lobos
National Endowment Article on Los Lobos. *Please preview.
(*The video contains a couple of spots with mild language considerations.)
Latin Music Genres
Hispanic Heritage Month music activities for the elementary classroom.
Five Latin Music Genres
Tejano Music
Claudette Nichols takes us through the history and impact of tejano music.
Songs with a Latin Influence
Chile
The sights and sounds of Chile.
Calle 13 performing Latinoamerica
For older students, Calle 13 is a Puerto Rican hip hop band and this song is about the government, culture, and people of Latin America. Further lyric translation here.
Naranja Dulce Children’s song in 3/4
Find the game and sheet music for Naranja Dulce.
Do you have an authentic source for a Latinx musical resource that could be added? Let’s SHARE!
Please leave them in the comments below!
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