Center for Latin American Studies Center for Latin American Studies

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Mexico

With a population of over 120 million people, Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world.

Lesson Guides and Classroom Activities

Ballet Folklórico: An Introduction (Mexico)

Grade Levels: 5–8, 9–12

Subject Area(s): Spanish

Folkloric dance expresses the life and spirit of a people through its movement and music.This teacher packet includes background information for Ballet Folklorico, the history of Mexican dance, the evolution of dance and its modern form, a timeline of Mexican history, and additional information about Mexico "at a glance."

Cabeza de Vaca Discussion Guide

Grade Levels: 9–12

Subject Area(s): Spanish

A series of high school lesson plans for the film Cabeza de Vaca. The packet also includes discussion questions and a resource section.

Corridos and Al Otro Lado Curriculum Guide

Grade Levels: 5–8, 9–12

Subject Area(s): Spanish, Social Studies

This collection of lesson plans and classroom activities were inspired by the film Al Otro Lado (2006), a documentary about the tradition of corridos--a genre of narrative folk ballads developed in Mexico during the 1800s that share about historical events, figures, and socially relevant topics. Still popular in Mexico and Mexican-American communities, individuals continue to write and share corridos about culturally relevant topics today.

Funny Bones: Posasa and his Day of the Dead Calaveras Educator Guide

Grade Levels: K–4, 5–8

Subject Area(s): Art, Spanish, Social Studies

Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras—skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities—came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852–1913). In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. This educator's guide provides Commom Core standards-driven suggestions for teaching Funny Bones: Posasa and his Day of the Dead Calaveras.

Mérida, Mexico: An Educational Journey (Lesson Plans)

Grade Levels: K–4, 5–8, 9–12

Subject Area(s): Spanish

A collection of lesson plans written by Nashville teachers who traveled to Mérida, Mexico.

Mexico Road Rally (Activity)

Grade Levels: 5–8

Subject Area(s): Social Studies, Spanish

Students will work in groups of three with a road map of Mexico. Their goal is to be as accurate as possible and as quick as possible in completing the Rally. They will compete against the other teams.

Mexico Virtual Field Trip

Grade Levels: 9–12

Subject Area(s): Social Studies, Spanish

Students will examine and analyze their misconceptions about Mexican culture through images of architecture, physical features, historical artifacts, and cultural norms.

Of Rage and Redemption: The Art of Oswaldo Guayasamín (Ecuador)

Grade Levels: 5–8, 9–12

Subject Area(s): Social Studies

A set of three lesson plans on various aspects of the art of renowned Ecuadoran artist Oswaldo Guayasamín.

The Amazing Twins: Ancient Maya Tales from the Popol Wuj

Grade Levels: K–4, 5–8, 9–12

Subject Area(s): Spanish, Math

Written in the Western Highlands of Guatemala around 1550 and translated into Spanish in the 18th century by Friar Francisco Ximenez, the Popol Wuj is one of the most important indigenous texts of the New World. This is a resource guide created as a companion to The Amazing Twins: Ancient Maya Tales from the Popol Wuj, a puppet show created by Vanderbilt CLAS and the Nashville Public Library.

Under the Same Moon Film Lesson Guide

Grade Levels: 9–12

Subject Area(s): Spanish, Social Studies

Lesson guide that provides teachers with a basic framework for incorporating film Under the Same Moon into the classroom. Students will research immigration reform, watch the film Under the Same Moon, have an oral debate, and write a persuasive essay to facilitate their cultural understanding of immigration and immigration reform.

Mexico Culture Box CLAS is committed to supporting cultural awareness among K-12 students. Culture boxes consist of materials and curriculum from different countries to create a stimulating, hands-on experience for students. To learn more about what is inside each culture box, click here.