El Paso, Texas – Cultural Exploration at Zia Middle School
Students at Zia Middle School in Las Cruces are diving into the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture this Hispanic Heritage Month. Engaging in hands-on activities, they are going beyond textbooks by exploring art, games, and traditions.
Creative Endeavors in the Classroom
In Mr. Gaytan’s 7th- and 8th-grade ENLACE classes, students are actively learning about diverse Hispanic cultures. They’ve designed vibrant piñatas and Lotería cards while researching different countries, comparing and contrasting cultural similarities and differences.
Community Participation
Earlier this month, ENLACE students participated in the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Parade in Mesilla, marking the commencement of Hispanic Heritage Month. They contributed their Lotería card designs for the Las Cruces Public Schools float during the festivities.
Understanding Culture through Tradition
Mr. Gaytan emphasizes that exploring traditions is crucial to understanding culture. He notes, “Traditions are a key to understanding culture… they tell us a lot about who we are and where we come from.”
Lotería, a traditional Mexican game similar to bingo, is one of the customs under exploration. This game utilizes illustrated cards featuring cultural symbols like La Sirena (the mermaid) and El Corazón (the heart), providing families the chance to bond and laugh together, while also passing down traditions.
The ENLACE Mission
This project embodies the mission of ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education), highlighting connections among students, families, educators, and communities to foster student success.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a time to honor the histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. It kicks off on Sept. 15, coinciding with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
At Zia Middle School, students are discovering that understanding their heritage involves exploring customs and stories, enriching their cultural identity through interactive learning experiences.
