Kid-Friendly Recipes for Aguas Frescas

 

Quench your thirst and indulge in the vibrant flavors of aguas frescas, the beloved traditional beverages that are a staple in Mexican culture. Because I suspect that half of you (or more!) are melting, just like I am here in Texas, I've put together a carefully curated collection of aguas frescas recipes that capture the essence of this time-honored tradition. 

Discover a variety of delightful concoctions that will transport you to the heart of Mexico. These are child-friendly recipes to engage your kids in the kitchen. Get ready to savor the taste of summer with these cool and invigorating aguas frescas recipes that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mexico!

This post contains affiliate links.

What are Aguas Frescas?

Aguas frescas are refreshing beverages that have become an integral part of Mexican culinary and cultural heritage. Literally translating to "fresh waters," these drinks are typically made by blending fresh fruits, flowers, or seeds with water and a touch of sweetener. The result is a cool and revitalizing drink that captures the essence of the ingredients used. From the classic flavors like horchata and Jamaica to creative combinations featuring fruits like pineapple, watermelon, or mango, aguas frescas offer a delicious way to beat the heat and quench your thirst while immersing yourself in the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Aguas Frescas Recipes

Here's a list of some classic flavors - with a few exotic ones thrown in!

1. First! There are so many great recipes on Kids Are Great Cooks! I'm listing this page first because it's a lot of fun and inspiring for children to see other kids making delicious things in the kitchen.
   
   
2. SweetLife is always my first go-to for any authentic recipe and Vianney does not disappoint. Check out her Agua De Piña, Agua Fresca de Aguacate, Agua de Chayote, and Agua de Sandia.
   
   
3. Silvia at MamaLatinaTips.com is my next stop. (You might know Silvia from winning the Great American Recipe on PBS!) Her recipes include Easy Mexican Strawberry Agua Fresca, Kiwi Fruit Agua Fresca Recipe, Quince Agua Fresca, and Guava Agua Fresca.
   
   
4. You might also enjoy these recipes that Yvette shares on Muy Bueno Cookbook : Agua de Melón and my personal favorite flavor: Agua de Jamaica. (She has a few others on her site, but they're geared for adults, if you know what I mean.)
   
   
5. But the QUEEN of aguas frescas is Ericka Sanchez from Nibbles and Feasts. She has a couple of great ones on her site - Coconut Pecan Agua Fresca and Agua Fresca de Café - but she literally wrote the book on these drinks (and paletas!). Grab your copy by clicking the image or link below!

Aguas Frescas & Paletas: Refreshing Mexican Drinks and Frozen Treats, Traditional and Reimagined
by Ericka Sanchez

You may also like these recipes!

• AGUA DE PEPINO 🥒🍋(CUCUMBER AGUA FRESCA) + VIDEO: just 4 ingredients for this refreshing cucumber agua fresca from Mamá Maggie's Kitchen!
  
  
• COCONUT MANGO AGUA FRESCA is for all the Tajín lovers! Wow. 
  
  
• This Mixed Melon, Lime and Coconut Agua Fresca is from Pati Jinich's site and looks really good.
  
  
• For the RaddishKids fans, here's a Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe that you can print and make.
  
  
• Print this Healthy Agua Fresca recipe from WholeKidsFoundation.org. Which flavor would you choose?

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Other Posts You May Enjoy:

• 15 Homemade Paletas to Try this Summer
  
  
• Paleta-Themed Educational Resources
  
  
• Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz

Vocabulary Program for Homeschoolers

The following post is in collaboration with Wordela Homeschool. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In homeschooling high school, nurturing a strong vocabulary is a key aspect of holistic education. A rich lexicon empowers students to communicate effectively, think critically, and succeed academically.

As a homeschool parent, I try really hard to find resources that aren't just academically beneficial, but ones that will help my kids throughout their lives. And building their vocabularies is one of those important skills that are at the top of my list. I'm excited to have found Wordela Homeschool as a resource, and wish I had found it sooner. 

Quick Overview

Program: Wordela Homeschool
Religious Perspective: Secular
Format: Self-Paced Online Program
# of Classes: Varies
Ages: 10 and up depending on course
Price: $67/Family - $97/Big Family - $197/Homeschool Co-op

 

The Power of Vocabulary

As a writer, I know that a rich vocabulary equips students with a diverse range of words to express their thoughts clearly and effectively. By mastering a broad lexicon 😃, our kids can articulate their ideas with confidence and precision, whether in written assignments, discussions, or presentations. The ability to choose the most appropriate words enhances communication and promotes self-expression.

Vocabulary development also goes hand in hand with critical thinking skills. As my kids encounter new words and their meanings, they expand their cognitive abilities by: 

• making connections, 
• analyzing context, 
• and drawing inferences. 

A strong vocabulary empowers them to grasp complex concepts more readily, enabling them to engage in deeper levels of analysis and interpretation.

These are pretty important skills that I think my kids need before going to college. In my opinion, developing these skills can not only help them with the college application process (think SAT scores and essay writing), but also once they begin their learning journey at whichever college they decide upon.

Practical Strategies to Build Vocabulary

Here are a few strategies that I have worked to incorporate in my children's homeschool journey.

1. Reading Extensively
   We've looked for ELA programs that encourage my kids to read a variety of literature, including classic novels, contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and thought-provoking articles. Reading exposes kids to diverse vocabulary in context, fostering word acquisition and understanding of nuanced meanings. Discussing unfamiliar words during reading sessions really helps solidify their usage and encourages curiosity.
   
   
2. Word Games and Puzzles
   Make vocabulary-building fun by incorporating word games and puzzles into your homeschool routine. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and word association activities engage my kids in an interactive and enjoyable way. These games not only reinforce vocabulary knowledge but also strengthen memory retention and cognitive skills.
   
   
3. Vocabulary Journals and Flashcards
   Encourage your kids to maintain a vocabulary journal where they can jot down new words, their definitions, and example sentences. Reviewing the journal regularly helps reinforce retention and serves as a handy reference tool. Additionally, creating flashcards with new words and definitions can turn vocabulary practice into a portable learning experience. I haven't done this very much with my son, and I wish I had. But you'll see below how beneficial it is. 

Introducing Wordela Homeschool: A Vocabulary-Building App

Wordela Homeschool is an innovative app designed to enhance vocabulary skills through an engaging and personalized learning experience. It offers various interactive exercises, quizzes, and word games to expand word knowledge. (So this fits into #2 listed above!)

Students can track their progress, set goals, and receive customized recommendations tailored to their proficiency level. We like its user-friendly program and comprehensive word database. So far, the site offers eight courses divided into two categories:

VOCABULARY

• Overnight Vocabulary
• Vocabulary Booster
• Confidence in Context
• ESL Vocabulary
• Corporate Vocabulary

CAREER/SUCCESS

• Productivity
• Career Success
• Brain Training

How It Works

My son has started with the basic course, Vocabulary Booster. He simply logs in to the dashboard and selects a word list. From there, he can choose how he wants to learn. There are four options:

1. AutoLearn™
2. Smart Flashcards
3. Review
4. Zspell

AutoLearn™ presents you with the definition, and you have to select the correct vocabulary word. From what we can tell, it presents 10 words at a time before introducing new vocabulary. 

Smart Flashcards give you the word on a digital flashcard and then you can "flip it over" and see the definition. This one is great for studying.

Review is really cool. It begins by giving you the basics: the word, definition, part of speech and additional definitions (if there's more than one). But what makes this option stand out is that you can select from the Dictionary, Wiktionary, or Wikipedia, and scroll around to read more information about the word. It also lets you track your progress with that word so you can see how you're doing with it. 

And finally, there's Zspell, which is just a really fun way to learn. It's basically a typing game and you "shoot" the spaceships and missiles by typing the word as it falls to the ground. Gamification at its best. :) My 17yo loves it, which I think is hilarious because it's like that first video game from when I was a kid called Space Invaders. 

Actually, Wordela Homeschool is owned by the same company that created Typsey Homeschool! So if you are a Typesy fan, you will probably love this program, too. 

Create Your Own Word Lists

The best part of this program, in my opinion, is that you can create your own word lists based on your child's interests or studies. I created one for his aeronautics interest and course. All I had to do was type in the list of words and the program automatically looked for them in the dictionary and added them to the four different learning paths I mentioned above.

You can do the same with your ELA vocabulary, if you want to make learning the words more engaging using the methods in this program.

Get It For Yourself

If you're looking for a great vocabulary-building program for your kids, and want something more than just printable word lists, we highly recommend this program which takes word lists to the next level! 

If you're convinced, or just want to learn more, visit Wordela Homeschool!

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May Roundup of Conversation Activities in Spanish

Save this roundup of conversation-practice activities in Spanish from Spanish for You! to teach your middle schoolers. 

This post contains affiliate links.

Using Conversation-Practice Activities to Teach Spanish

When it comes to learning Spanish, conversation practice plays a crucial role in helping your child become proficient in the language. While grammar rules and vocabulary are essential, the ability to engage in meaningful conversations is what truly solidifies language skills. By encouraging your child to engage in regular conversation practice, you provide them with opportunities to enhance their speaking and listening abilities, develop confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of the language. Conversations allow for real-life application, enabling your child to express their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in cultural exchange. So, encourage your child to converse in Spanish as much as possible, whether it's with you, their peers, or native speakers. It's through conversation that they'll truly embrace the beauty of the language and unlock the doors to a world of new experiences.

This month, we're sharing a roundup of great resources from MommyMaestra sponsor Spanish for You! This roundup of free activities is focused on conversation practice and they can be found here on MommyMaestra:

• Restaurant Conversation Activity
  
  
• Telling Others to Do Things
  
  
• Spanish Speaking Countries Word Search 
  

For additional conversation practice activity ideas, check out these great posts on Spanish for You!

• Conversation Activity Using Flashcards
  
  
• Conversation Building Idea: Writing Skits
  
  
• Conversation Card Activity

Budget-Friendly Spanish Learning Program

Remember! Spanish for You!'s program is geared for middle schoolers and is the perfect choice for homeschoolers and afterschoolers alike because their concepts are carefully divided up into manageable bundles that are available for immediate download from their website.

If this is your first time here, you can find other free samples from Spanish for You! here. There are some fantastic downloads of games and activities for you and your family to enjoy. If you enjoy this activity, be sure to visit the Spanish for You! website where you'll find tons of additional resources for you to help your young Spanish learner!

Hispanic Heritage Studies for Families

 

Dear readers,

Seventeen years ago, my husband's job moved us half way across the country, away from my family and culture. As a result, I found myself struggling to pass on my heritage to my children. I was really, really sad that they couldn't experience the same cultural traditions that I did as a child. I did my best to look for resources and events to share with them, but wasn't having much luck. 

I worried and fretted that they wouldn't learn to love the beauty of their Spanish & Mexican heritage. So when we were thrust into homeschooling (long story that you can read about elsewhere), I realized that maybe the best way to teach my kids was with printable reading passages, activities, games, and more. 

I began researching and writing and designing. I made resources to use with my kids and then slowly began making them available to other families, who I thought might be struggling like I was.

And then, I decided to keep researching and expand my education materials to include other Hispanic backgrounds and cultures, such as Puerto Rico, Cuba, and so on.

These materials have sold really well on TpT over the years. But I've been worried that my resources aren't really reaching their intended audience: Hispanic families. I love that teachers are using them in classooms, but I worry about the families like mine who need access to products that help them pass on their culture and raise children who are proud of their heritage.

Hispanic Heritage Studies

Early this year, a tiny idea found its way into my head. It's been growing, and growing, and growing until I finally decided to just go for it. And just like that, Hispanic Heritage Studies was born. 

My vision for this program goes like this: 

The Hispanic Heritage Studies program itself will consist of themed modules, including:

• Spanish-Speaking Countries, 
• Holidays & Traditions, 
• Food, 
• Art, 
• Music, and
• Historical Figures (actually, these will be broken up into separate modules: Musicians, Artists, Writers, etc.)

Each module will come with a lesson plan and additional resources that you can print, click on, make, watch, etc. all of which help teach the theme of the module. So you can use the lesson plan or just use the printable resources. Whatever works for your family.

Each theme will include learning resources for K-12th and broken down into the following grades:

1. K - 2nd
2. 3rd - 5th
3. 6th - 8th
4. 9th - 12th

Does this sound interesting to you?

Become a Founding Member

I have already begun assembling my team to work on this program. 

I would love to invite you to join us as a Founding Member. This select group will be the first ones to use my program. And I'm relying on these Founding Members to help shape the vision of this program by telling me what works, what doesn't, and what they'd like to see on it.

As a Founding Member you'll have access with the lowest introductory pricing locked at $15/month or $150 for LIFETIME access, and for all the future bonuses we add, you'll get those, too. These rates and resources are only for Founding Members and will only be available until this Wednesday at 11:59pm CT OR UNTIL we reach the number limit.

I’m limiting the number of Founding Members in order to be able to work with them personally to get feedback. But I already opened it up in our homeschool group and on the MommyMaestra Facebook page and the spaces are filling up. So, if you're interested, please don't wait until Wednesday to sign up. 

If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Want to learn more about the themed modules and see sample files? You'll find them here.

I’m pretty excited about this program and all that it will have to offer. But I’m most excited about all the children and families who will benefit from it.

Please join us!

Monica

Capybara Lesson Plans, Printables, Crafts, Videos & More

Discover the fascinating world of capybaras with our collection of capybara lesson plans, crafts, printables, videos, and books. Perfect for homeschool or classroom use.

If you are learning about South America or the Amazon Rainforest, you might want to explore the world of capybaras! These adorable and fascinating creatures are the largest rodents in the world and have a lot of interesting features and behaviors to explore. Here are some resources in English and Spanish to help you learn more about capybaras.

This post contains affiliate links.

Lesson Plans & Activity Packs

• Rainforest Biome Animal: Capybara  :: Simply Learning Shop
  This activity packet is great for Montessori style classrooms and home lessons. PreK - 1st grade
  
  
• Capybara Unit Study :: Easygoing Acres
  This unit study is meant for elementary aged students and can be adapted to older elementary students. Approximately a 3 - 4 day unit. K - 5th grade
  
  
• If you are on Study.com: Capybara Facts: Lesson for Kids 
  Best suited for students in elementary grades. **Note: Study.com requires a membership for full access to their lesson plans.
  
  
• Capybaras Reading Passages Comprehension Activities  :: Top Floor Teachers
  This high interest reading comprehension resource about Capybaras covers nonfiction content standards. These activities are perfect for the upper elementary and middle school language arts classroom. 5th - 7th grades.
  
  
• El Capibara: Capybara MiniLesson and Printable Activities for Spanish Class :: OohLaLlama
  Great for SPANISH LESSONS. Help students acquire high frequency language structures naturally while learning about this friendly, fascinating animal. Student-tested and approved! 2nd through 9th grades
  
  
• Capybaras' Revenge (Current Events) - 3 versions + activities in Spanish :: The Comprehensible Classroom by Martina Bex
  La revancha de los carpinchos is a current event from 2021 in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Due to habitat loss, capybaras have invaded private, gated communities in search of food. This resource features three versions of La revancha de los carpinchos, all written in Spanish: Básico, Intermedio, and Avanzado. 7th through 12th grades

Crafts, Printables, & Activities

• Capybara Bead Pattern (Coming soon!)
  This adorable pattern is easy to use with Perler Beads or similar brands. 
  
  
• Capybara Coloring Page from Twinkl
  This simple coloring page is perfect for young children.
  
  
• Capybara Jungle Coloring Page Digital Download by BethNewcott
  This fun coloring page is for older students who may enjoy a more artistic challenge.
  
  
• Capybara Masks Printable Color + Coloring by FrozenPirateMasks
  This is super fun and you have the option of printing a full-color mask or a black-and-white version that your kids can color themselves.
  
  
• How to Draw a Capybara :: HelloArtsy
  Super fun activity.
  
  
• How to Draw a Capybara :: How2DrawAnimals 
  Another, more complex how-to video that is better for older students.
  
  
• Capybara Printable Craft :: LearnCreateLove
  Here's a free and crazy cute cut and glue craft that your younger children will enjoy.
  
  
• Capybara Perler Bead Pattern on Pinterest. Looking 
  
  
• Capybara Coloring Book by PaperLand Publishing
  A good collection for older students (tweens & teens) who like to color more complex pages.
  

Videos

In English:

• What Does the Capybara Say? 5 Fast Facts You NEED to Know About the Capybara! :: Shelby On Safari
  The best video! Have your students watch and then answer the question: Which type of capybara is found in Venezuela?
  
  
• The Biggest Rodent! :: SciShow Kids
  This short video provides an overview of capybara biology and behavior in a fun and engaging way.
  
  
• Capybaras, the Largest and ‘Chillest’ Rodents in the World :: Crazy Creatures
Great video footage and super kid-friendly.

In Spanish:

• El Capibara o Carpincho :: El Blog de Emi
  Your children may wind up loving this channel so much that you subscribe to it.
  
  
• ALL about the CAPIBARA: The largest rodent in the world :: Vidanimal (Spanish w/English subtitles)
  Better for older students.
  
  
• LOS CARPINCHOS :: Tuti Channel
  A Spanish read aloud of the book by Alfredo Soderguit (Also listed below in the Books section.)
  
  
• La historia de la capibara :: Chicos IPe
  A sweet animated story.

Books

Books in English

The Capybaras
by Alfredo Soderguit 

Hens and their chicks love their warm, snug home. Life is simple and comfortable in the chicken coop, where everyone knows their place and worries are far away. Until one day, when the capybaras appear. 

To the hens, the capybaras are too big, too wet, and too hairy. They don’t even follow the rules! But it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need somewhere safe to hide. Can the hens learn to get along with their unexpected guests? 

This delightful story shares the importance of opening our hearts to each other, no matter our differences, and the marvelous surprises that can happen along the way. Ages 4 - 8

You're a Good Friend, Capybara
by Chronicle Books

This lighthearted ode to friendship is delivered by capybaras, gentle giants who are known for their calm demeanor and social friendships with other animals, from dogs and monkeys to turtles and birds. This gift book features charming photography of these cuddly creatures and their assorted animal companions, paired with sweet advice and odes to friendship, straight from nature's experts. This celebration of the capybara's community, love, and kindness towards everyone—regardless of whether they have hooves, claws, or shells—is a must-have gift for friends of all sizes.

Capyboppy
by Bill Peet

The true story and adventures of Capyboppy, the Peet family's pet capybara.

I am a Capybara
by Michela Fabbri 

A capybara is not a mouse, or a beaver, or a bear, and has all sorts of surprising traits you will soon discover. But while every capybara has teeny tiny ears and a gigantic nose, this endearing capybara happens to love poetry and the opera, and even dressing up as a whale! He speaks candidly about his experiences and feelings, and he likes to find common ground with others, like his best friend, a little bird. Although he may appear to be a tough guy, he still likes cuddles and care. 

Capybara
by Megan Borgert-Spaniol 

This children's book is part of the "Rain Forest Animals" series and provides an introduction to capybaras for young readers.

The Mighty Capybara: The Fascinating World of South America's Largest Rodents
by Elli River

In this comprehensive and engaging guide, you'll discover everything you need to know about these charming animals, from their physical characteristics and behavior to their cultural significance and ecological importance. With in-depth chapters covering everything from the history and evolution of capybaras to their role in the ecosystem, reproduction and family life, and even tips for observing and photographing them in the wild, this book is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in these amazing creatures. Best suited for older students in middle school and up.

Books in Spanish

Los carpinchos
por Alfredo Soderguit 

El capibara con botas
por Mira Canion

***Language Learner Literature An easy Spanish reader containing just 55 new vocabulary words and English-Spanish cognates. 

Normal capybaras swim well. Carlos is the only capybara in the Amazon Rainforest who can't swim. Things don't look good for Carlos away from the water.

El gran viaje de Capy: La capibara aventurera
por Jose Navarro Hernández 

A lo largo de su viaje, Capy descubre nuevos lugares y se encuentra con diferentes animales y desafíos que pondrán a prueba su valor y coraje. Con la ayuda de sus amigos, Capy aprenderá importantes lecciones sobre la importancia de la amistad, el trabajo en equipo y la perseverancia.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

• Children's Books that Feature Venezuela
  
  
• Machu Picchu Lesson Plans, Videos, Books, & More
  
  
• Peruvian-Themed Crafts for Kids
  
  
• Children's Books that Feature Peru
  
  
• New Costa Rica Country Coloring Activity
  
  
• Exploring Culture as Part of Your Curriculum

Children's Books that Feature Venezuela

This week, we're diving into South America again! This time, we're sharing a roundup of some amazing children's books that feature Venezuela. 

We know you'll find some of these stories absolutely engaging and want to add them to your home library!

This post contains affiliate links.

Picture Books with Venezuelan Characters

There aren't a lot of Venezuelan-themed children's books that I could find, so in stead of separating them by language (English, Spanish, or bilingual), I'm just listing them all here. 

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln (English)

Manos que bailan: Cómo Teresa Carreño tocó el piano para el presidente Lincoln (Spanish)

by Margarita Engle

I had never heard of Teresa Carreño, the prodigy pianist from Venezuela who began playing the piano as a little girl and composing her own music by the time she was 6. Not only did she play for President Lincoln as noted in this lovely story, but apparently for the famous composers Rossini and Liszt, too!

In Dancing Hands, we learn about Teresa's love of music and how she developed her talent in her homeland of Venezuela. We also read about how she and her family were forced to flee to the United States when Venezuala erupted in a revolution...only to arrive in the middle of the U.S. Civil War. The story goes on to chronicle the events that led to her performing for President Lincoln and his family in the White House.

Roberto's Trip to the Top (English only)
by John B. Paterson Jr.

Breathtaking vistas and bustling scenes await a boy and his uncle when they ride the teleférico to the top of a mountain in Venezuela.

Up, up, up goes Roberto, aboard a cable car, heading to the top of El Avila. Share his excitement as he sees deep ravines and spectacular views, and meets the people and wildlife that live on the mountainside, on his first big adventure!

Wings and Dreams: The Legend of Angel Falls (bilingual)

by Irania Macías Patterson

The highest waterfall in the world, Venezuela's magnificent Angel Falls, is the backdrop for a newly imagined folktale vibrantly illustrated with full-color original art.

A dark shadow falls over the Pemones Indians as conquerors from the north invade the ancient land. A wise shaman sends young Takupi on a perilous journey to seek out safety for his people in a secret southern land seen only in the shaman's dreams. It's a place where man can touch the soft clouds, grateful eagles carry children on their backs, and rushing waters bathe a scorched and withering land.

Armed with only a few token gifts to protect him, Takupi must face frightening obstacles in his quest. Along the way, he discovers, as everyone must, the depth of his own courage--and his destiny.

Chipi Chipis, Small Shells of the Sea / Chipi Chipis, Caracolitos Del Mar (bilingual)

by Irania Macías Patterson

Nature, sea and wind take on a life of their own in this beautiful tale inspired by authentic Venezuelan family traditions. Original illustrations help tell the story all while introducing the reader to a new language and culture.

The Caiman (English version)
La caimana (Spanish version)

When Faoro the clockmaker adopts a baby alligator, he has no idea that someday their story will travel far and wide. But the town of San Fernando de Apure would never forget this kind young man and his adoring alligator, who played with the neighborhood children, took part in Faoro’s wedding, and, eventually, mourned his loss. Now their story is being shared with the world.

In this delightful picture book first published in Venezuela, the author brings us back to her own childhood in Venezuela, as one of the children who used to visit this famous caiman, to tell the story of a man who loved animals and how his friendship with his alligator sparked a lasting legacy.

Venezuela ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Venezuela

Oil, mangoes, and Angel Falls. International beauty contest winners and the golden legend of El Dorado. Wander inside this beautiful book to learn the ABCs of what makes Venezuela a South American jewel.

Fun Facts About Venezuela

Pair any of these books with my Fun Facts About Venezuela: A Country Coloring Activity. This download is an excellent introduction or supplement to a lesson on Peru. 

It includes a printable map and fact passage! Just have your kids read about a person, place, or thing related to Venezuela, then have them find it on the map and color it in. Available in English or Spanish, it's simple and fun.

This product now contains an added page of additional learning resources to extend the learning with related books, online articles, and videos.

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Puerto Rico Coloring Activity
  
  
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Día de los Niños PowerPoint Presentations

Are you teaching about Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros this week? If so, be sure to download my Día presentation for PowerPoint and Google Slides!

What is Día de los Niños

Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros, also known as Children's Day and Book Day, is a holiday celebrated here in the U.S. on April 30th. 

This day is dedicated to celebrating children, their unique qualities, promoting their well-being and happiness, and the love of reading. Children's Day was brought to the U.S. in the 1990s and combined with a love of books by the children's author, Pat Mora, who was inspired by the Mexican holiday.

In Mexico, El Día del Niño's roots lie in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, and the holiday has evolved into a day of fun activities, special events, and traditions that highlight the importance of children in society.

Today, Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros is a time for families and communities to come together to celebrate and cherish the children in their lives and the joy of reading.

Día de los Niños Presentations for PowerPoint & Google Slides

The best way to introduce a new topic, in my opinion, is when you can start with a visual presentation that explains the key points. Because my Día Activity Packet is so popular, I thought it would be great to put together a slide show to help kick off a lesson. 

This 12-slide presentation introduces children to the holiday in a fun way. The slides talk about what exactly the holiday is about, and even gives a brief history of how it came to be here in the United States.

I've also included a slide on the symbols and traditions associated with Día and ended with a list of 10 ways that anyone can celebrate the holiday.

This product comes with four files:

• English-only PowerPoint
• Spanish-only PowerPoint
• English-only Google Slides
• Spanish-only Google Slides

You pick the format that best suits your home or classroom.

To Use with In-Person or Distance Learning

The best part is that this presentation can be displayed on your classroom whiteboard, or assigned through Google Classroom, and soon it will be available on TpT's Easel, too. 

Online classes can use the file in their lessons by directly sharing their screen with their students.

How to Use it in a Lesson

Use this presentation at the beginning of the lesson to introduce the holiday.  Follow up with one or more of the literacy activities available in my Día Activity Pack.

Or you may want to have your students do a literacy craft instead. Here are a few that I recommend:

• Día Craft: DIY Book Tutorial
  
  
• Día Craft: DIY Book-Inspired Sports ID Tag
  
  
• Día Craft: Music-Themed Magazine Holder
  
  
• Día Craft: Make Your Own Family Keepsake Book

The Día Book List

You can end your lesson by handing out a copy of my free Día de los Niños book list that's been newly updated for 2023. This list features books mostly written by Latinx authors and that highlight stories and folklore that children will love. 

You might also prefer to print the list ahead of time and select a few books from it to read to your class before or after the presentation.

Download Your Día Presentations Today!

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More Día Resources You May Enjoy

• Ways To Celebrate Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros/Children's Day, Book Day
  
  
• 10 Ways to Celebrate Día at Home
  
  
• Reading Challenge & Passport
  
  
• New Books to Celebrate Día

15+ Earth Day Crafts & Printables for Kids

Check out these Earth Day crafts and printables for kids to celebrate the holiday. They're suitable for children who speak or are learning any language!

Why Craft on Earth Day?

Using crafts to celebrate Earth Day has numerous benefits for children and adults alike. 

• It's a fun and engaging way to learn about the importance of taking care of our planet. 
  
  
• It can also inspire creativity and encourage problem-solving skills as individuals think about ways to repurpose or recycle materials. 
  
  
• Crafts can also foster a sense of community as people come together to work on projects that benefit the environment. 
  
  
• Crafting can be a therapeutic activity that helps to reduce stress and promote mental well-being
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• Making crafts out of recycled or repurposed materials, individuals can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The best part of making crafts, in my opinion, is that they can usually be done in ANY language. I hope you and your children or students enjoy this compilation of some pretty great crafts and printables to do for Earth Day.

Earth Day Crafts for Kids

Here's a list of hands-on crafts for kids to make as they learn about and celebrate Earth Day.

1. Cascarones Activity
   If you have any cascarones left over from Easter, then use them! If not, don't waste those expensive eggs you are buying: use the eggshells to create your own Earth-friendly seed starter pots!
   
   
2. Recycled Earth Day Craft
   I really love this simple confetti planet Earth from No Time for Flash Cards. It's just lovely and easy for little fingers to make.
   
   
3. Earth Day Printable Headband
   This is a great printable craft from Simple Everyday Mom to get things started, and to get kids excited for the day’s activities. Coloring and wearing this headband will put them in just the right frame of mind. 
   
   
4. DIY Earthy Rock and Fossil Fridge Magnets
   These DIY magnets from Sustain My Craft Habit are a neat idea that can keep the concept of Earth Day in their minds all year round every time they look at the refrigerator. The supplies list is short, but worth picking up ahead of time, as it isn’t all stuff people keep laying around.
   
   
5. Bird-Friendly Seed Mosaic Bird Feeders
   Feeding birds is great. Feeding birds safely is a major concern, though. These planet-friendly, bird-friendly feeders by Barley & Birch allow for a lot of creativity, and only take a few cheap ingredients. Great way to learn about reduce, reuse, and recycle. 
   
   
6. Fairy Greenhouse Egg Carton Seed Starters
   Also by Barley & Birch are these super clever egg carton seed starters! I mean, seriously, recycling at its best. We eat the eggs, use the eggshells as seed starter pots, and then re-use the plastic carton as a mini greenhouse. It's what Earth Day is all about!
   
   
7. Sprout House
   This Sprout House from STEM Education Guide is such a cool idea, and one that will keep kids engaged for some time after Earth Day. Build a small house out of sponges, and line them with sprout seeds. Put water in the dish, and watch day by day for the sprouts to grow.
   
   
8. Recycled Plastic Bottle Planters Craft 
   These Recycled Bottle Planters by Craving Some Creativity are the perfect size for succulents and help keep single use plastics out of landfills. Younger ones will need help, but they will love the adorable animal faces.
   
   
9. Hot Rock Melted Crayon Craft
   Older kids will love this craft from by Simply Well Balanced. It may take a fair amount of supervision based on your child's age and skill level, but the results are so fantastic. Crayons partially melt when used on hot rocks to create unique patterns. This is a great outdoor activity on Earth Day!
   
   
10. Earth Day Daisies 
    Oh my gosh, these are just the cutest things! Buggy and Buddy has this gorgeous little craft made out of cupcake liners. I think you will love displaying them as much as your kids will making them!
    
    
11. DIY Upcycled Toilet Paper Seedling Pots and Painted Stone Garden Markers 
    Toilet paper rolls can be recycled in multiple ways. But this option from The Forked Spoon creates another gorgeous planter that kids can check back day after day to watch their plants magically grow.
    

Earth Day Printables for Kids

If you prefer print-and-go activities, consider this list of Earth Day downloads.

1. Earth Day Acrostic Poem Activity
   This packet of bilingual Earth Day acrostic poem templates includes directions and examples in both English and Spanish. There are five different acrostic pages with prompts of varying length and difficulty. There's also a blank page to allow children to use their own focus word.
   
   
2. Bilingual Earth Day Activities for PreK - 1st
   This bilingual packet full of Earth-Day-themed activities is also available in English and Spanish. 
   
   
3. Free Download: Bilingual Earth Day Puzzle Cards 
   This activity is good for language learners and preschoolers. These bilingual puzzles are made up of 12 cards that feature different ways to be kind to the Earth...in English and Spanish.
   
   
4. Free Printable Earth Template 
   There are so many different crafts and learning opportunities with these Earth templates by Lil Tigers. Print several to take advantage of multiple crafts on Earth Day. Can be used in any language.
   
   
5. Earth Day Color by Number Printable
   Younger ones may enjoy helping with some of the other projects, but they aren’t going to be fully engaged in several of them. These colorable printables by Mommy Made That offer a project that they can tackle on their own. Kids can make some very cute pictures, and will love figuring out which colors go in which parts. English only.

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Bilingual Activities, Crafts, Books and More for Earth Day
  
  
• 5 Latino Children's Books to Celebrate #EarthDay
  
  
• Earth School from TEDEd
  
  
• 5 Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day at Home