Hispanic Heritage Lessons from Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico

This is a two-lesson unit levelled by Kindergarten/1st, 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th grades. It opens with an infographic of three learning targets, then begins with Latin rhythms, adds an introduction to Cuban music, and a reading of "Drum Dream Girl". For the upper grades, it adds an opportunity to add claves, learn about salsa dancing and adds depth to the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga and her family's Cuban band. The second lesson opens with "Dancing Hands" and uses Venezuelan pianist and composer Teresa Carreño's piece, "The Wrong Note" for movement for primary grades and for listening response for older students. The lesson closes with Mariachi, and the folk dance, "Los Machetes" starting with students on the floor sitting to learn the movements, and then moving in the circle!