Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month provides an opportunity to recognize the diverse backgrounds of individuals from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and appreciation of the influences that these communities have had on American society and culture. During this month, we emphasize the achievements and experiences of Hispanic Americans, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for their heritage and impact on the nation.
This is a great time to highlight Hispanic/Latinx artists and their music and celebrate their beautiful cultures in our music therapy sessions and music classes. Below we are sharing five of our favorite songs to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students!
5 Songs for Hispanic Heritage Month
1- “Chocolate”
by Sonia de los Santos
Stir up some yummy chocolate with your students or clients! Have count on their figers “uno, dos, tres” and then pat on their laps or a drum “cho!”, “co!”, “la!”, and “te!”
This is a great song for practicing beat and rhythm and learning how to say 1-3 in Spanish.
Discussion: Facilitate a discussion about cooking at home. What do you make with your family? Do you help your grownups cook in the kitchen? Have you made anything with chocolate before?
2- Mi Cuerpo Hace Música
By Sol y Canto Kids
This is a classic song that originates from Puerto Rico and really gets kids moving! This is great for learning different body parts, practicing modeling and imitation, and learning about accelerando. This song gets faster and faster and is sure to make your kids smile!
3- La Raspa
By Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa
This song is great for learning about form! You can have students perform this individually or in a circle dance. Have them clap 1-2-3 and encourage them to say the numbers out loud. Then have them spin or dance alone or have them dance to the left or right in a circle. Really emphasize the different sections and have them feel the differences in each section!
4- Diez Pajaritos
By 123 Andrés
This is a great subtraction song in Spanish and the kids will love the visuals!
Watch the birds fly away and have students count how many are left!
5- Las Chiapanecas
By Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
This song is great for scarves! Give your students or clients scarves and have them twirl and spin. I like to show pictures of Chiapaneca dancers and their beautiful dresses and pretend the scarves are my dress! They will love them “clap-clap” during the rhythmic section!
This song could also be used with a bubble machine! Have them use castanets to catch the bubbles and encourage them to tap-tap their castanets during that part in the song!
