by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 20, 2019 | Holidays and Special Events
Christmas around the World – Mexican Christmas Traditions
I Love Hispanic and Latino culture! I worked with a variety of people while employed as a Public Health Nutritionist for the Women, Infant, and Children Program (WIC). Some of my fellow employees were from Brazil, Peru, Guatemala, Colombia, and of course, Mexico.
There were days when no one who came into the clinic spoke English. As a result, I was immersed in the language and culture. I never became fluent in Spanish. However, somehow I managed to function–with the help of materials that were in Spanish. Also, the awesome bilingual Health Service Assistants I worked with were always available when I got stuck.
I really think that if you aren't already familiar with Mexican Christmas traditions, you should be!
That's why my goal for you and your children is for your lives to be enriched through this unit study.
In some ways, there are similarities. However, in many ways, Christmas is celebrated in a completely different way in Mexico. For example,
Mexican Christmas Traditions
Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a Mexican tradition that lasts from December 16 December 23. This event commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they traveled. Mary was ready to give her baby and they couldn’t find anywhere to stay. The celebration of Las Posadas reenacts this event with great enthusiasm and festiveness.
Check out my Christmas in Mexico Unit Study to learn more!
The Legend of the Poinsettia
In case you didn't know, the Poinsettia grows prolifically in Mexico during the Christmas season. This legend is about a poor Mexican girl who wanted to give a gift to baby Jesus but had nothing to give. Thus, the Poinsettia was born.
3 Kings Day
In Spanish, it is called, “Día de los Reyes.” This day marks the visit of the three kings.
Traditional Foods Eaten
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- Tamales
- Pozole
- Rompope
- Ponche
- Pasteles (Puerto Rico)
These foods are just a sampling of the delicious cuisine enjoyed during the celebration of Christmas in Mexico. You will find lots of fun things for your kids to do as a break from their regular curriculum, and they will learning social studies, history, and home economics as well.
Click here to view, “Christmas in Mexico.”
Other Resources
SUPER Bundle – Makes Perfect Stocking Stuffer!
Christmas Treats Kids Love
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 12, 2019 | Education Materials
Jen Merckling from “Ready for Reading” has created some adorable hands-on books based on the timeless children's classics. Included in her series so far is The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Also, Goldilocks & The Three Pigs, plus my Favorite as a Kid The Gingerbread Man! (This post contains affiliate links).
Totally affordable at only $6.00 per e-book, this is a totally unique way to introduce your preschool and kindergarten children to the love of reading.
Each book is at least 30 pages long and is in full color with super cute pictures of the characters. For example,
Little Red Riding Hood:
Read With Me Story – Combination of words and pictures so that your child can read along with you.
Order of Events – perfect way for your child to practice putting events in the order they in which they occur
Memory Cards – Jen says this is always one her kids' favorite games.
Story Narration – Let your child tell the story and you write down what he says.
Color-by-Number Pages – Practice learning numbers, letters, and identifying colors.
Each book is retold in a unique way by Jen, and she uses pictures in every sentence to make reading easier. 🙂
Ready for Reading Phonics is Jen's “big” reading program. Purchasing one of these short fairy tales is a great, inexpensive way to test out her awesome products without putting a dent in your pocketbook.
Opportunity for coloring, cutting and pasting, putting the story pieces in order, as well as pictures mixed with short words to help your child feel successful on her road to becoming a great reader!
Click here to find out more about Little Red Riding Hood as well as Jen's other adorable books.
5 Things Snow Teaches About God
Food Groups and Food Pictures Preschool Nutrition Fun
Artificial Additives and Our Kids' Health
Gluten-Free Cheat Sheet Bundle
Just in Time for Thanksgiving, Turkey Safety and Tasty Recipes
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by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 7, 2019 | Education Materials
Kids Cookbooks Volume 1- Easy Food, by Sarah Watson Bean at “Love at Home Education,” is a super simple, basic cookbook to help your children get started in their cooking journey. (Post contains affiliate links).
From age 2 and up, “Cooking by Levels” offers steps to get even the youngest members of your family in the kitchen and to help them feel included, by offering simple tasks for them to successfully complete.
Kids Cookbooks, Volume 1 – Easy Food provides opportunity to build teamwork from an early age.
“A level based cookbook that teaches your kids how to cook 15 meals. From helping out to cooking full meals all by themselves.” And the recipes all look yummy too!
Five levels are provided with directions on what to give specific aged kids to do. Visuals are included and placed in appropriate places throughout the cookbook to make it easier to tell at which level each individual cooking step fits.
For example:
- Pouring for 2-4 year old kids – This level gives younger kids the opportunity to practice pouring without actually measuring ingredients. A simple black and white measuring cup picture is placed in all the places to make it clear which age group the specific task is appropriate for.
- Measuring tasks (4 years and up) are paired with simple measuring spoons. These are tasks designed to encourage your child to start reading ingredients and instructions on recipes.
- Reading and Assembling ingredients – For example, 5 to 7 year old children can look for ingredients in a recipe and then find them in the cabinet or refrigerator. These tasks are identified by a simple milk carton.
- Ingredients and directions for a recipe can usually be read at this level. Also, children can begin to choose their own recipes. The symbol associated with level 4 is a simple, black and white recipe picture.
- Doing all of the reading, gathering all of the ingredients, and cooking all by themselves. This is the last and 5th step! This step is symbolized by a chef hat. 🙂
Suggestions are offered to deal with kids starting out at older ages as well as how to help the child move up more quickly when it is desired.
This Cooking Class and Curriculum is meant to be fun, of course, and it really is!
Reading Instructions and Measurements
Cooking By Yourself
Simple recipes include:
Waffles, pancakes, and homemade multigrain bread.
Delicious oatmeal cookies and homemade granola bars
And spaghetti, hamburgers, fresh, from scratch fresh pasta, and scrambled eggs 3 ways.
(Post contains affiliate links).
Offerings by Homeschooling Dietitian Mom
Meal Prep for Beginners
Meal Planning for Kids
The Importance of Good Nutrition
Nutrition and Food Science Activity Pack
Paleontologist Kids Unit Study
Sunflower and Pumpkin Gardening and Activity Kit
Gluten-Free Cheat Sheet Bundle
Posts by Me
Homeschooling Dietitian Mom Recommended Resources
Is the Paleo Diet Biblical?
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