I always take time in the end of September to talk about heritage in my Spanish classes. Why?
Well, for one reason it is when Hispanic Heritage is observed (Sept 15-Oct 15) so I like to do some lessons about the history and development in Latin America.
I also like to take the time to let students think a little about their own heritage and how it influences who they are. Not everyone is interested in doing this lesson but when you have someone come to you and tell you how thankful they are for helping them to get to know more about their grandmother or some tradition in their family it makes it all worth it!
Our heritage does show in our way of dressing, our music, our traditions and holidays. Sometimes we don't even realize that not everyone has the same way of celebrating holidays as we do.
I tell students that this is often something they don't notice until they go to a friend's house or their boy/girl friend's house later on as a young adult for a celebration or holiday. It can be quite eye opening when you find out that what you thought was "normal" is actually an old, unusual custom from your grandmother's family that no one can explain!
I like to use myself as an example of keeping my heritage alive after moving to the US. I still listen to my Danish and German Christmas music, I have special Danish ornaments on my tree and I continue my mother's tradition of having the Elf that lives in the attic(!) come every night in December and put a treat in my kids' stockings. I choose which things to keep alive since it is impossible to do everything as if I was still in Denmark.
I start new traditions too and hope my kids will see the importance of heritage and traditions as they start their own families down the road!
Check out this article that talks about heritage and feel free to comment! Ciao!
Why Your Heritage Is Important
Well, for one reason it is when Hispanic Heritage is observed (Sept 15-Oct 15) so I like to do some lessons about the history and development in Latin America.
I also like to take the time to let students think a little about their own heritage and how it influences who they are. Not everyone is interested in doing this lesson but when you have someone come to you and tell you how thankful they are for helping them to get to know more about their grandmother or some tradition in their family it makes it all worth it!
Our heritage does show in our way of dressing, our music, our traditions and holidays. Sometimes we don't even realize that not everyone has the same way of celebrating holidays as we do.
I tell students that this is often something they don't notice until they go to a friend's house or their boy/girl friend's house later on as a young adult for a celebration or holiday. It can be quite eye opening when you find out that what you thought was "normal" is actually an old, unusual custom from your grandmother's family that no one can explain!
I like to use myself as an example of keeping my heritage alive after moving to the US. I still listen to my Danish and German Christmas music, I have special Danish ornaments on my tree and I continue my mother's tradition of having the Elf that lives in the attic(!) come every night in December and put a treat in my kids' stockings. I choose which things to keep alive since it is impossible to do everything as if I was still in Denmark.
I start new traditions too and hope my kids will see the importance of heritage and traditions as they start their own families down the road!
Check out this article that talks about heritage and feel free to comment! Ciao!
Why Your Heritage Is Important