During Hispanic Heritage Month, our Head Start classrooms came alive with the colors, sounds, and flavors of Hispanic cultures and traditions. Teachers took the opportunity to immerse students in the celebration, fostering cultural awareness through stories, hands-on activities, and culinary exploration.
At the Griswold center, Head Teachers Anay Hernandez and Vimarie Bermudez-Fontanez, along with Early Childhood Service Worker Nilda Melendez, led their students in exciting activities that introduced them to different Hispanic cultures.
The class read Hooray, a Piñata!, a delightful story that sparked their creativity, and the children got to make their own piñatas in class. During free-choice dramatic play, students enjoyed cooking with various Hispanic seasonings, a fun, sensory-rich experience that brought the tastes of Hispanic cuisine to life.
“It’s important to celebrate Hispanic heritage so we can learn more about it and share it with others,” Hernandez said. “Our class is comprised of different Hispanic cultures.”
Similarly, Wellington Head Teachers Amanda Gonzalez and Brenda Robbins read the same book to their students, who were equally thrilled to make piñatas.
“It’s important for children to know that everyone is different and not all families have the same culture,” the teachers said. “Celebrating our differences helps children understand and appreciate diversity.”
They also highlighted how the piñata activity tied literacy and culture together in a meaningful way.
As part of LCCAA’s Head Start program, which serves a significant number of Hispanic families in our local communities, this month’s celebrations held special significance. LCCAA takes pride in the fact that Hispanic employees make up about 27% of its staff, contributing to the rich diversity that defines us.
“Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month offers a valuable opportunity for our organization to celebrate the contributions, culture, and influence of Hispanic and Latinos,” said LCCAA Human Resource Director Carla Rodriguez, a Latina herself. “By doing so, we help promote cultural awareness and emphasize the importance of diversity within our organization and communities.”
As we continue to celebrate diversity in all its forms, this Hispanic Heritage month has been a vibrant reminder of the unique cultures, traditions, and contributions that make LCCAA a truly inclusive community.