Learning Spanish can be a fun and enriching experience for kids, and what better way to engage them than by teaching them about the history of Cinco de Mayo? Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5th that commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza [2]. It is not Mexican Independence Day, as some may believe, and is not a “Mexican July 4th” [3].
The Mexicans had made defenses around the city of Puebla, and when the French attacked three times, each time they had to retreat [1]. When the French cannons ran out of ammunition, the Mexican commander, Ignacio Zaragoza, ordered an attack. The Mexican attack forced the French to run away, and the Mexicans cheered. President Benito Juarez said that May 5th would be a national holiday known as “Battle of Puebla Day” [1].
Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated not only in Mexico but also in many parts of the United States, where it has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico [2]. By teaching kids about the history of Cinco de Mayo, they can gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Mexican culture and the significance of this important holiday.
To help kids learn Spanish while also learning about Cinco de Mayo, consider incorporating Spanish vocabulary words into your lessons. For example, you could teach them the Spanish words for “battle” (“batalla”), “victory” (“victoria”), and “soldier” (“soldado”). You could also have them practice writing and saying sentences in Spanish about the Battle of Puebla or the history of Cinco de Mayo. By making the learning experience engaging and interactive, kids will be more likely to retain the information and have fun in the process.
Overall, teaching kids about the history of Cinco de Mayo while also helping them learn Spanish can be a fun and educational experience. By engaging them in the story of General Ignacio Zaragoza and the Battle of Puebla, kids can gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Mexican culture and the significance of this important holiday.
