Sneak Peek: A free, easy to use lesson plan where students learn about the impact of indigenous roots on the Spanish language.
This is a fun lesson where students will see how present day Spanish vocabulary (and even English) is still connected to the indigenous languages of Náhuatl, Maya, Tzeltal and more!
Did you know that in Mexico alone there are 68 officially recognized indigenous languages with over seven million speakers still speaking one of those languages today? We are just scratching the surface with this topic, but it’s a great starting point to get your learners thinking about the evolution of language and how it can connect to el Día de la raza.
Learning Objective: In this lesson students will develop a basic understanding of current Spanish words with indigenous roots, and what their definitions are. Students will be able to identify on a map the regions of origin for eight indigenous languages, as well as investigate the cultural significance of Día de la Raza.
Materials
Video: ¿Sabías que hablas náhuatl?
Video: Las lenguas indígenas de México
Language Evolution Slideshow (FREE)
Language Evolution Notes Basic Version (FREE)
Language Evolution Notes Basic Version Answer Key (FREE)
Language Evolution Notes Advanced Version (FREE)
Language Evolution Notes Advanced Version Answer Key (FREE)
Ubicación las de lenguas indígenas Slideshow (FREE)
Ubicación de las lenguas indígenas Map Worksheet (FREE)
Ubicación de las lenguas indígenas Map Answer Key (FREE)
Pen/pencil
Prep
For this lesson, have the videos ready to show from YouTube, the slideshows loaded, and the worksheets printed out with the appropriate number of copies. If you prefer to assign them digitally, upload them to your learning management system.
Duration
This lesson is designed for one 57 minute class period, but can be shortened or extended if desired.
Teacher Instructions
- Greet the students and let them settle in for class. Communicate the learning objectives.
- Show the video ¿Sabías que hablas náhuatl? (3:41 length) to introduce students to the topic.
- Upon completing the video, ask students to do a pair and share. Ask them what they learned or found interesting from the video? Do they know of other words with indigenous roots not mentioned in the video?
- Pass out the language evolution notes sheet (whichever version you chose) or ask them to have it open on their device.
- Go over the language evolution slideshow. Students take notes of the definitions.
- Go over the answer key.
- Next, hand out the map worksheet and then show the ubicación slideshow. Students fill out the locations as you present the slideshow.
- Finally, show the video Las lenguas indígenas de México (5:00 minute length). If you do not have enough time remaining in the class period, you could move this to opening on day two.
Use this as a springboard to discuss the meaning and importance of El Día de la Raza. Students may have heard of the holiday, but aren’t sure of the meaning behind it. It is traditionally celebrated on October 12th to mark the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. Sometimes if the holiday falls mid-week, schools or public entities will observe it on the closest Monday. The holiday has evolved over time. Originally it was celebrated as the meeting or blending of cultures with the arrival of Europeans in America, and how it shaped Latin America’s identity. However, today many countries now use it to honor indigenous cultures and languages that existed long before colonization.
- Closing questions: What version of this holiday feels more respectful today? Why? How does the preservation of language connect to the idea of identity?
Optional Activities:
Have students research alternate names for the holiday. Many countries have renamed it; let them investigate and then share with the class what they found. For example, in Argentina they call it El Día de la Diversidad Cultural. Beyond finding out the new name they could look up how the country celebrates it and the history behind the choice not to call it El Día de la Raza.
What’s next? Now that you’ve gotten students thinking about the cultural impact of indigenous populations, join us inside Heritage Spanish Club to access even more ready to use materials on this topic including:
El Día de la Raza Hyperdoc (MEMBERS ONLY)
El Día de la Raza Hyperdoc Answer Key (MEMBERS ONLY)
*In this resource there are four short videos with comprehension questions that will take students’ understanding to a deeper level and really engage their critical thinking skills.
El Día de la Raza Picture Talk (MEMBERS ONLY)
Apuntes- Día de la Raza (MEMBERS ONLY)
*In this resource you’ll be provided 11 slides and a notes template to guide a thoughtful discussion on perspectives of all parties involved. Students will take notes under each perspective (European/Spanish, indigenous, and modern Latinos).
Our Linaje Year Two curriculum creation is underway, and this lesson can be found there as well once published.
Looking for more? This lesson can be used with traditional Spanish classes, or heritage learners. If your school doesn’t have a dedicated heritage class yet, check out this blog post on How to Start a Heritage Language Program at your School!
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