Early Math Counts

Tomorrow commemorates “Cinco de Mayo,” the day the Mexican Army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  This is a day of great celebration for Mexico and Mexican people living outside of their home country.  Tomorrow, celebrations will be taking place all around the Chicagoland area as we honor our neighbors to the south and our neighbors right here in our own city.

Some people think Cinco de Mayo is like our 4th of July.  That isn’t true.  Mexican Independence day takes place in September and celebrates the birth of Mexico.  Cinco de Mayo is significant because the Mexican Army took down a much bigger, and more powerful French army; it was a very unlikely defeat but one that proved the strength of the Mexican people and the power and will of the underdog.

How can you celebrate Cinco de Mayo in your classroom?

1. Have the children do a scavenger hunt around the room to find “5” items that are the same.”

2.  Brainstorm 5 ways that they think they as group are strong and powerful.

3.  Have the children count by 5s, count off by 5s and count backwards by 5s.

4.  Read a book about Cinco de Mayo (there are so many great ones to choose from).

5.  Talk about Mexico.  Show it on the globe.  Talk about the Spanish language.  Show the Mexican Flag.

6.  Teach the children to say, “Feliz Cinco de Mayo!”

Happy Cinco de Mayo.