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Cinco de Mayo in the ESL classroom is an incredible cultural learning opportunity for all students. Mexican students get the chance to shine and become the teachers. Students of other cultures get an up close look and an incredibly insightful perspective concerning the holiday.

Begin with some reading comprehension activities detailing the history of Cinco de Mayo. Include activities which include Spanish vocabulary and let Mexican students teach it to the other students. Follow up with a historical video. This provides listening comprehension practice as well as background information. Show clips of Cinco de Mayo parades and have the students design their own floats.

Include a Mexican style fiesta. Have the students bring traditional Mexican dishes, but also encourage other students to bring dishes from their culture to make it a complete cultural experience. Put on some Mexican music and have Mexican students teach the others some Mexican dances. Teachers, eat and dance too! Your students will love your interest and you will build some incredible relationships with them. For added fun bring in a pinata.

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