December 2011 ~ Learn About Mexican Culture & The Poinsettia

December 12th is poinsettia day! Let’s combine history, social studies, science and the Spanish language while we learn some fun facts about poinsettias!

Books you’ll need to borrow or buy:
The Legend of the Poinsettia

If you are not already a Tomie dePaola fan, you soon will be after reading this beloved story. It is one of our all-time favorites.

Poinsettias: Myth and Legend ~ History and Botanical Fact
If you have a “budding botanist” on your hands this book will be a welcome addition to your library. You might also want to join the Botanical Society of America – homeschoolers join for only $10 a year!

You will also need a book about Mexican culture such as one of the following:
Mexico & Central America: A Fiesta of Cultures, Crafts, and Activities for Ages 8-12
This book is a must-have for learning about the Mexican and Central American cultures. It is full of historical background, craft and cooking ideas for kids, and even includes the corresponding history standards for various grade levels.

Mexico: 40 Activities to Experience Mexico Past & Present

This book is an excellent resource for teaching about the Mexican culture. In addition to craft and cooking ideas, the book includes important events in the history of the culture as well as biographies of famous people and some Spanish words and phrases with phonetic pronunciation.

Week 1 – Culture, Cooking and Spanish
Read about Mexico and Central America. Cook up your favorite recipes from Mexico. Find a recipe in your book or use one of the links below.
http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/mexico/recipes.htm
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/cinco-de-mayo/mexican-recipes/

Introduce some basic Spanish vocabulary words. The Usborne First Thousand Words in Spanish Book is the perfect introduction to Spanish. This version comes with an Internet linked pronunciation guide. We have the old version with cassette tape!

For beginning language learners a good idea is to place labels on common things around the house such as “la silla” and “la librara”. This link is fabulous for practice with basic words and their pronunciation:
http://www.123teachme.com/learn_spanish/spanish_for_children

Week 2 – History, Language and Writing
Read about the history of the poinsettia here and in the book Poinsettias: Myth and Legend. Using this graphic organizer, have your student compare and contrast stories about the history of the poinsettia.

Before you read the book The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola, do an author study. Read his biography here.

After you read the book have your child write him a letter telling him what she liked about the story. For older kids have them write an expository essay about poinsettias.  For younger children, have them write a letter to Tomie dePaola.  You can contact him here.

Week 3 – Science, Art and Community Service
Try this cool chemistry lesson! Make poinsettia pH paper.

Buy a poinsetta plant for a friend or neighbor. Deliver one to a nursing home or donate one to your church.

Here are some tips on how to care for your poinsettia so that you can enjoy their beautiful blooms longer.

Here’s a cool pattern to crochet your own poinsettia plant! It’s a Kindle edition. I think I might try that!

Here are a few other poinsetta crafts to make. I’ve included links for younger children and older children alike.

Crafts for younger kids:
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/mpoinsettia.htm

http://crafts.kaboose.com/poinsettia-clothespin-ornament.html

http://www.crayola.com/crafts/detail/glittering-poinsettia-card-craft/

Crafts for older kids:
http://crafts.kaboose.com/poinsettia-brooches.html

http://www.familycorner.com/homegarden/crafts/poinsetta.shtml

http://www.craftown.com/xmas/xmas6.htm

Spread the love and give these as gifts!