aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Spanish as a foreign language
What age group	Year or Grade 6
What topic	Hispanic heritage month using famous Hispanic people
Quantity	1
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Kick-Off Lesson: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Objective

To introduce students to Hispanic Heritage Month and explore the contributions of famous Hispanic people in various fields.

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Opening Activity: "Who Am I?" Game

Materials Needed

• Index cards
• Markers
• Tape or pins

Preparation

1. Prior to the lesson, prepare index cards with short biographies of famous Hispanic figures. (Examples: Frida Kahlo, César Chávez, Ellen Ochoa, or Lionel Messi).
2. Include key facts such as their achievements, birthday, and contributions.

Activity Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
   Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. Explain that it’s a time to honor the achievements and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States.

2. Game Setup (5 minutes)
   Hand out one index card to each student, but don't let them look at it yet! Students should tape or pin the card to their back without seeing the information.

3. "Who Am I?" Game (15 minutes)
   Divide the class into pairs. Students will take turns asking yes or no questions to their partner to figure out who they are based on the information on the card attached to their back. For example, questions could be:

   • Am I an artist?
   • Did I play a sport?
   • Am I known for my activism?

   Once they guess who they are, they can switch cards and play again.

4. Discussion (10 minutes)
   After the game, gather the students together and facilitate a discussion:

   • Ask volunteers to share who they were and what they learned.
   • Discuss the varying contributions of these figures and their significance in Hispanic culture.

Conclusion

Wrap up the activity by emphasizing the importance of celebrating diversity and the rich contributions of Hispanic individuals in society. Transition into the main lesson focusing on the lives and impacts of these figures during Hispanic Heritage Month.

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Homework/Follow-Up Activity

Ask students to pick one Hispanic figure they learned about in class and create a poster that includes:

• A picture
• A brief biography
• Their major achievements and contributions.

Encourage students to share their posters in the next class where they can do a "Gallery Walk" to observe their classmates' work.

This engaging starting activity not only introduces students to notable Hispanic figures but also allows them to participate in an interactive, collaborative learning environment.