Mexico & Central America: A Fiesta of Cultures, Crafts, and Activities for Ages 8-12 by Mary C. Tuck is a festive introduction to the history, geography, traditions and language behind these vibrant cultures which are a growing part of America's melting pot. Kids will learn about Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama through hands-on activities and experience a foreign way of life through interactive projects and plays.
"This multicultural activity book celebrates the myriad cultures of Mexico and Central America and their shared ancient Aztec and Mayan roots. For each country, a brief introduction is provided that includes illustrated maps and facts about population and geography. More than 40 projects and three dramatic play scripts explore the interconnectedness of these countries and help children experience aspects of daily life throughout the region including school, work, home, art and poetry, food and agriculture, and special holidays. Activities include embroidering Mayan designs, painting in the Salvadoran style, ... crafting political puppets, cooking chocobananas, and making piñatas. Engaging sidebars throughout the book provide children with an introduction to the Spanish language. Also included are tips for teachers who want to use the activities in the classroom, complete with more specific age ranges and suggested modifications."
Mexico & Central America is an excellent supplement to any Spanish language program, geography unit, or can simply be a great read on its own. The book will introduce students to the culture of the North American hispanic population in a fun and engaging way. I plan to use it to supplement La Clase Divertida (The Fun Class), the elementary curriculum my girls are using to learn Spanish. Mexico & Central America is another quality education resource from Chicago Review Press.