Celebrating Cultures in the Spanish Classroom During Hispanic Heritage Month: A Personal Journey

In a world that needs more love and tolerance, my Spanish classroom is a testament to the power of cultural exchange. It’s a space where we acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultures and value each student’s heritage. Here, learning a language is more than just a skill—it’s a gateway to empathy and connection.

As the FLCCA high school Spanish teacher, I have the unique opportunity of guiding my students through the world of the Spanish language. This journey is an adventure of cultural discovery, as much as about mastering a new language. My classroom is not just a place where students learn Spanish; it’s a space where diversity and cultural inclusion are celebrated and actively encouraged through our classes, sparking excitement and curiosity in every student.

One of the most anticipated moments in our academic year is the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. During this period, we immerse ourselves in the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. This celebration is particularly special to me as it provides a platform to share my Colombian heritage. Each year, my classroom undergoes a magical transformation into a living mini-museum adorned with elements from my Colombian background.

In the brick-and-mortar school, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a breeze. In the online school, it was more challenging. After browsing for ideas, I found the best way and have been doing it for the last four years. I invite my students to a very intimate space in my home to experience a slice of my homeland. That space is a bedroom I have decorated with traditional Colombian artifacts, from the iconic sombrero vueltiao Vuelta to replicas of a traditional farm and the national tree of Colombia, artifacts from some festivals, etc., with every item labeled in Spanish. I dress in a folkloric costume and perform a traditional dance, complemented by a video demonstration. As a result, our lesson becomes one of stories, memories, and a dynamic, immersive experience. An experience that is engaging and memorable and allows them to open their minds to cultural awareness.

But Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about my culture. What I love about this time of the year is that it opens the floor for all students to share their backgrounds. The Spanish classroom serves as a unique space for students to express and explore their diverse cultures, fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection. My other favorite projects that we undertake during this month center around food. Because food is the soul of a culture.

I encourage them to think about that family dish that brings joy to their soul and a deep connection to their family. They write a description in Spanish, include pictures, and, if they choose, they can prepare the meal at home and share photos of the process. This activity does more than just teach students about food vocabulary in Spanish; it fosters family engagement and instills a sense of cultural pride. I’ve witnessed heartwarming moments, from students gathering their family to cook that special meal and others connecting with relatives like grandparents to learn about cherished family recipes. These projects bring joy to the students and enrich their understanding of their own heritage and the cultural heritage of their classmates and teacher, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

The experiences shared in my classroom during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond are more than just educational activities; they are great opportunities for students to connect with their cultural roots and one another. This rich exchange helps build a more inclusive and compassionate world, one lesson at a time, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

Written By Paola Andrea Stauffer, FLCCA