Flags of Hispanic Countries of Origin Hispanic or Latino? Hispanics and Identity An Overview of American History (World Book Advanced, 2014) U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean Maps of Latin America Hispanic Heritage Month - Teaching About Ethnic and Cultural History How do you ensure that students will get the most out of the instructional time devoted each year to commemorating the history and contributions of the various ethnic and cultural groups we How do you avoid trivializing or marginalizing the group you are exploring with students? are some suggestions for Hispanic Heritage Month. These “DOs” are also applicable to any ethnic or cultural group you are studying throughout the school year. Incorporate Hispanic heritage into the curriculum year-round, not just in September and October. Use Hispanic Heritage Month to “dig deeper” into history and make connections with the past. Continue learning. Explore how to provide an in-depth and thorough understanding of the contributions of Hispanics to the United States. Textbooks often do not contain detailed information about the struggles of ethnic or cultural groups, so use the textbook as just one of many resources. While exploring multiple resources, help your students understand the importance of exploring reliable sources and sources that provide multiple perspectives on history. Relate lessons to other parts of your curriculum, so that focusing on an event or leader, expands upon rather than diverts from your curriculum.
Terminology The term Hispanic refers to language. A person is referred to as Hispanic if they or their ancestors come from a country where Spanish is spoken. Latino refers to geography. Specifically, to Latin America; i.e., people from the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic), South America (Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, etc.) and Central America (Honduras, Costa Rica, etc.) Derived From The term "Hispanic" comes from a Latin word for Spain "Hispania,” which later became "España.” It refers to a person of Latin American or Iberian ancestry, fluent in Spanish. The term "Latino" is shortened from Spanish “latino americano,” (Latin American) thus narrowing the scope of meaning to Central and South America, and Spanish speaking Caribbean Islands. Usage “Hispanic" is primarily used along the Eastern seaboard of the U.S., and favored by those of Caribbean and South American ancestry or origin. The U.S. Census Bureau also uses the term Hispanic in the census. “Latino” is principally used west of the Mississippi, where it has displaced “Chicano” and “Mexican American.” Hispanic or Latino? continued According to a , only 24% of "Hispanic" adults said they most often identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino. About half said they identified themselves most frequently by their family's national origin; e.g., Cuban, Venezuelan, Costa Rican, Mexican. An additional 21% said they called themselves American most often, a figure that climbed to 40% among those born in the U.S. Most people are beginning to dislike being called Hispanic or Latino and prefer to be called simply by their true ethnic group such as Cuban, Venezuelan, Mexican, Colombian, Bolivian, etc. Source: Source: Pew Research Center, 2013 Hispanics and Identity When it comes to describing their identity, most Hispanics prefer their family’s country of origin over other terms. Half (51%) say that most often they use their family’s country of origin to describe their identity. That includes such terms as “Mexican” or “Cuban” or “Dominican,” for example. Just one-quarter (24%) say they use the terms “Hispanic” or
Celebrate Hispanic culture - and diversity in general - by studying the Mayan alphabet, dancing to the merengue, adopting an international sister City, and more! Smithsonian Education Each year, the Smithsonian honors Hispanic Heritage Month with a calendar full of activities. This site contains lessons and interactive exhibitions celebrating Hispanic people and history. Additionally, for Hispanic Heritage Month, Smithsonian Folkways offers free music and videos from Latin American and from Hispanic communities in the U.S. A student activity is included. The Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research (SHHAR) SHHAR (pronounced "share") is a non-profit, volunteer organization with the specific goal of helping Hispanics research their family history. The site includes links to many other sites for additional help in genealogical research. United States Census Bureau Part of the Census Bureau’s Facts for Features series providing facts and statistics on the Hispanic population in the United States. Elementary Character Education Activities to Support Hispanic Heritage Month