Take a virtual field trip to Mexico with our homeschooling Mexico unit! We have art, books, STEAM projects, music, and more for kids of all ages!
Street art in Mexico has exploded in the last few years thanks to the country's history in Muralism. Learn all about it and check out some awesome photos.
Hooray for Hispanic Heritage Month! :) Once again this year I was asked to create an art display celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15)... and man was I excited to get started! The majority of the students at my school are Hispanic... so getting to dive a bit further into the culture and it's art is especially exciting for our kids! This year I had a ridiculous amount of ideas for projects celebrating the culture (thank you Pinterest)... but had to narrow it down.. so I went with Aztec Suns, Zapotec Weaving, and Guitars of Paracho (inspired by this pin from Painted Paper Art). To begin the project I started with my usual PowerPoint presentation (posted on slideshare) giving the students some background information before the art-making began. We talked a bit about the economy of Mexico and attempted to figure out how Mexico could be ranked as the 2nd richest country in Latin America... and at the same time be the Latin American country with the 2nd greatest amount of poverty. The kids came up with some interesting answers... but eventually we landed on the explanation that a small group of people in Mexico own the majority of the country's wealth (making it a "rich" country) while a greater amount of the population lives in poverty (estimated at 44% of Mexicans). We looked at a map visually illustrating the poverty levels in Mexico and found that closer to the United States border less people lived in poverty than in Southern Mexico. Then we focused in on Paracho, Mexico; a city located just 2 hours south of Guadalajara. The interesting thing about the city of Paracho is that it is said to have more guitar-making artisans within it's population of approximately 17,000 people, than in the entire United States! Guitar making is a tradition passed down from generation to generation and is a source of income for the people of Paracho. The guitar-making also attracts a bit of tourism for the city as it hosts a Guitar Festival each year. Next I showed my kids two clips I found on youtube which highlights the guitar-making in Paracho. The videos are in Spanish with English subtitles... but that just got my kids even more excited (since most of them speak Spanish)!! Below is one of the videos (I claim no ownership). To see the ViewPure version to show in school: http://viewpure.com/57Gc1Iy9O8g So inspired by the fine artisans of Paracho and the bright colors and patterns of Mexican art, we got started with our project! I reviewed warm and cool color schemes with my students, then had each table select one or the other to use for their sheet of 12"x18" painted paper. Instead of just painting it though (which is still super awesome)... I wanted to do something different with the kids... so we sponge painted it! Was it a giant mess? Yes. Was it a pain to try to scrub like 30 tempera-paint soaked sponges clean? YES. Was it crazy enjoyable for the kids? Absolutely. The next day I had the kids create the body and headstock for their guitars with their painted paper by tracing a stencil I made. I normally DESPISE using any kind of stencil/tracer... but for this project I thought it would be necessary (especially since I knew they were going to be displayed for Hispanic Heritage Month and time was of the essence). Next I had the kids swap paper scraps so that they had paper of the opposite color scheme (to create a bright contrast) to create the sound hole, bridge, and any other details they wanted to cut and paste. Once the shape of the guitar was fully assembled, students had construction paper crayons and color stix to add any additional color or pattern they wanted. The next day I let students choose what color "strings" (pieces of gift-wrapping ribbon) they wanted to use, gave them sequins and buttons, and then let them go to town! I love how they turned out - so bright and colorful! I've been getting compliments about them on the daily from other teachers and students! :)
Learn about Mexico for Kids with these free printable Mexico Worksheets and printable books with cute clipart and information to read, color, and learn!
Despite being a recent transplant, the inimitable Su Wu is already a fixture on the local art and design scene in Mexico City.
Thanks to first-class restaurants, outstanding hotels, and beguiling architecture, the city has become popular with visitors, who arrive in search of its ineffable magic.
Despite being a recent transplant, the inimitable Su Wu is already a fixture on the local art and design scene in Mexico City.
Got 3 days in Mexico City? This Mexico City itinerary will help you fit in all the best architecture, art, history and food!
Last week I wrote about things to do in Mexico City, and today I want to tell you about my favourite neighbourhood there. After three visits…
We love these Mexico crafts for kids & think they're perfect to learn more about this amazing country! From sombreros to tacos, we've got a lot here!
Fall in love with this city as you learn all about the most fascinating attractions and things to do in Xalapa and beyond.
We love these Mexico crafts for kids & think they're perfect to learn more about this amazing country! From sombreros to tacos, we've got a lot here!
Traditional Mexican Papel Picado is a craft that features colorful paper sheets with intricate cut-out details. This is a great free choice activity or a
One day in Roswell is the perfect amount of time to spend and will enable you to visit all of the main sites and attractions of this kitschy alien town. #newmexico #newmexicotowns #roswell #aliens
Artist Jill O’Bryan divides her year between urban life in New York City and wide open spaces on a mesa in New Mexico. Shifting Connections talks to her about her newest work situated along f…
After visiting Mexico City last year, we were ecstatic to visit again this year during Art Week. We discovered even more top-notch restaurants, bars, art galleries and boutiques, and are excited to share the best of the best in our 7 day Mexico City Itinerary.
Planning a trip to Mexico to see its ancient sites? Then you won't want to miss out on its pyramids. Read this guide to learn all about them.
Come and discover the 8 Pueblos Magicos Michoacan state has to offer. This beautiful region west of Mexico City has 8 "Magic Towns" to explore...
Vertically striped green-white-red national flag with a central coat of arms featuring an eagle, a cactus, and a serpent. The flag has a width-to-length ratio of 4 to 7.The struggle for Mexican independence took place under a number of flags, but, when it was finally achieved in 1821 under the
Day of the Dead nicho craft activity. 4 nichos for Day of the Dead. Photos + step-by-step video tutorial. Download, make + celebrate today!
Inside: Nazca Lines craft for kids learning about Peruvian culture and history. It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, 2017! At the end of this post, find our Multicultural Kid Blogs HHM giveaway for some fun prizes. Today I’m sharing an exploratory Nazca lines craft. The project gives hands-on feel for these marvels of Peru, and how they were
I believe the all inclusive resorts of Puerto Vallarta have some of the best offerings in all of Mexico. Find out which are my Top 7 choices!
What are the best things to do in Oaxaca? Check out this guide of the top things to do for history, culture, food, art, and nature lovers.
Local's three day itinerary to Santa Fe for the best restaurants, things to do, local shops, and where to stay.
Aztec Symbols. The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture that existed in modern-day Mexico from the 14th to 16th centuries. The Aztec Empire was formed around the 15th Century.
These amazing Mexico surf towns serve up beautiful views, relaxed vibes, and few crowds.
Image 14 of 45 from gallery of Torre Reforma / LBR&A. Photograph by Alfonso Merchand
Wondering what to do in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico? In this guide, I cover hidden gems, local food, and the coolest art galleries and shops in Old Town!
If you're visiting Baja California, make sure you visit the magical little town of Todos Santos, once a secret fave of artists & surfers!
On se retrouve aujourd'hui avec un thème autour du Mexique pour le projet DIY#17 - à la manière de Frida Khalo. Un tuto très coloré que nous avons adoré créer et qui donne un coup de pep's à notre déco d'entrée. Pour réaliser ce porte clé cactus, nous avons utilisé: - une chute de planche de pin brut - des poscas rouge, vert, orange... - de la peinture blanche - du papier abrasif - 4 crochets à visser - de la colle à bois - 2 tourillons Pour suivre la réalisation pas à pas, voici une vidéo explicative: Cliquez sur l'image ci-dessous pour télécharger le patron du cactus en taille réelle: Nous avons dessiné des motifs aux accents mexicains, en nous aidant d'un papier calque et d'un crayon de papier avant de repasser le tout aux poscas de toutes les couleurs. Et voilà le résultat! On aperçoit derrière notre porte-clé cactus Mexico, notre verrière fait maison, pour la découvrir rendez-vous ici.
8 cool and unusual off the beaten path Mexico City things to do! If you've been to the city before or you want to avoid the tourist traps, check these out instead.
