National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month is a period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Continuously reading stories that honor cultures establishes an inclusive environment where every child feels seen. The more we learn about all cultures in classrooms or our homes, the more knowledge and understanding we provide for everyone within our communities.
To set this invitation first read the book Pablo Picasso written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Teresa Bellon to learn about the Spanish Artist who changed art forever. After reading this draw outlines of different Picasso Esque drawings on butcher paper and invite children to design the art with loose parts (rainbow grappat, rainbow stacking stones, pastel wooden balancing rocks).
When a child uses loose parts to create drawn out images, shapes, or designs invitations, it gives opportunities to work on spatial awareness, exposes them to different forms of art, paying attention to detail, and enhancing their language skills as they communicate what they see or what they are doing. As they manipulate the loose parts to fit inside, outside, or around the designs they are enhancing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and shape recognition. Loose parts are dynamic by nature, therefore the child is given the opportunity to be just as creative as Pablo Picasso.
Here are some other ways to invite a children to learn about the Hispanic and Latinx culture through open ended play based invitations.
Stay tuned for more invitations this week!