The Magic of Mexico - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

MEXICO


Mexico (name is taken from the Mexica, one of the seven Nahuati tribes that inhabit the central region of the country.)

Official name: United Mexican States
Continent: North America
Capital: Mexico City (also the world’s largest city) It built on the site of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Mexico city is the oldest city in Latin America. Over 2,000 newcomers arrive each day. 50% of the inhabitants live as squatter in illegal dwellings.
Money: Peso
Government: Republic. President has a six year term.
Colors of flag: red, green and white
Language: Spanish




Mexico History and Culture http://www.geographia.com/mexico/mexicohistory.htm

At Christmas time the children of Mexico may get presents on Christmas Day but traditionally, they must wait until Three Kings Day on January 6. The night before, they leave out their shoes. Then the next morning they find their shoes filled with presents left by the Three Kings, who long ago brought gifts for the Baby Jesus.

STORIES
May 5 is Cinco de Mayo, the national festival of Mexico; here are a few sites to help you get ready to join in the celebration!

Mexican Folktales - An extensive bibliography of folktales to help you find just the right story to share. http://nancykeane.com/rl/682.htm

Magic Tales of Mexico - I shared this site in 2005 but it bears repeating; nine stories from the colorful culture of Mexico. http://www.genecowan.com/magictales/home.html

American Folklore: Mexican Folklore - Thirteen Ghost Stories, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends from Mexico. http://www.americanfolklore.net/mexican-folklore.html#2


Children’s Game

The Moon and the Stars – A game of Shadow Tag played near a large tree or building that casts a shadow. One player is chosen to be the Moon and that person must stay only in the trees shadow, (since the moon is visible only in the dark sky). All the other players are Morning Stars. The run in and out of the shadow, teasing the moon. Found in Hands Around the World by Susan Milford

Crafts

Three sites filled with fabulous, fun crafts for children for a variety of ages.

Cinco de Mayo Crafts for Kids http://tinyurl.com/nhr7uh

Cinco de Mayo Finger Puppets http://tinyurl.com/373ybda

Cinco de Mayo Door Hangers http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/cincoprint_6.htm

Mexican Crafts http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/mexico/


Curriculum Connections

Cinco de Mayo Word Search  http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/cincoprint.htm

Cinco de Mayo Vocabulary  http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/cincoprint_2.htm

Cinco de Mayo Crossword Puzzle  http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/cincoprint_3.htm

Cinco de Mayo Challenge  http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/cincoprint_4.htm

Cinco de Mayo Alphabet Activity  http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/cincoprint_5.htm

Mexico for Kids - There’s something here for everyone; fun and useful information on the various indigenous cultures, music, traditions, myths and stories. http://www.pocanticohills.org/mexico/mexico.htm


Songs and Fingerplays

Children’s Songs and Fingerplays: Bilingual in Spanish and English – Some of the songs may be downloaded as an MP3 file. http://www.mamalisa.com/?p=285&t=ec&c=50

Mexican Music – Three Fun Songs for Children - This site also offers the accompanying sheet music and midi-files so you can listen to the melodies.. http://cnx.org/content/m12599/latest/