Exploring Language and Culture

Combining the Hispanic voices and traditions in great children's literature with creative classroom activities is a powerful way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage.

Start by reading Just In Case: A Trickster tale and Spanish Alphabet Book by Yuyi Morales. Use this enjoyable tale about Señor Calvera and his adventure to find the perfect gift for Grandma Beetle to build Spanish language and vocabulary skills with students.

Ask students to keep an eye out for the Spanish alphabet and point out any Spanish vocabulary you come across in the story. Then, have students create a personal word wall to keep track of new words.

Word Wall Template

You can also research additional Spanish vocabulary appropriate for your learners and have students create their own ABC Book with the Spanish words they have learned.

ABC Book Template

If a complete ABC book is more than you want each student to tackle, assign each student a single letter and combine the individual student pages into a single file using the Project Wizard.

Change the presentation options to a Book Layout or export your project as a video, PDF, or , eBook to share with families.