Adding Hispanic culture to your in-person or online Spanish classes gives context to the Spanish language and helps your students learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries around the world! Many teachers want to add more Hispanic cultural activities to their classes, but don’t know where to begin. Here are some tips for adding more culture to your Spanish classes and help your students learn about the Spanish-speaking world!
Where in the world is Spanish spoken?
Many students in the US will know about Mexico and Spain, but there’s a whole Spanish-speaking world out there! Teaching your kids the names and locations of the Hispanic countries is a great way to show them that Spanish is truly a global language.
Check out our Map of Spanish-Speaking Countries for a great visual reference of where Spanish is spoken!
What is common across Hispanic culture?
Every Spanish-speaking country has its own unique culture, history, and values. But at the same time, there are some features that are common to all or nearly all Spanish-speaking countries. Traditions like Día de tu Santo, Quiceañeras, and other celebrations are central to most of the Spanish-speaking world. Talking about the ways different countries celebrate these common festivals is another great way to reinforce the names of the Spanish-speaking countries as well as the similarities and differences between them!
Want to learn more cultural, historical, and natural facts about each Spanish-speaking country? Check out the Risas y Sonrisas Countries Cards!
What other cultures exist in Hispanic countries?
Before the Spanish came to the Americas, there were many flourishing, technologically-advanced societies thriving in what are today Spanish-speaking countries. Despite facing centuries of repression, many of those cultures are still in existence today. Languages such as Quechua, Nahuatl, Guaraní, and Maya are spoken by millions of people and form a very important part of contemporary Hispanic cultural heritage. Introducing these indigenous cultures into your Spanish classes is also a great way to talk about the history of Spanish conquest and its consequences.
What is Hispanic culture like in your country?
Did you know that the United States has the second-largest population of native Spanish speakers after Mexico? Hispanic culture has been an important part of the heritage of the United States for over 200 years! Discuss the important ways that Spanish-speaking Americans have shaped American politics, science, music, literature, sports, and other fields. If you live outside of the US, talk with your students about where Hispanic culture is found in your country.
Keep reading, watching, and listening!
Incorporate age-appropriate books, videos, and music from Hispanic countries into your Spanish classes. This is a great way to further immerse your students in Hispanic culture. Ask your students to compare and contrast musical styles from different regions or read a classic children’s book from one of the countries you’re studying. In this way, you can use Hispanic culture to reinforce the language skills you’re teaching in class while also giving your students an appreciation of the beauty and importance of Hispanic culture around the world!