Lesson Plan - Highlighting History

Watch a Slideshow: Shaping the Nation
After viewing, discuss: Which person included in the slideshow do you find most inspiring? Why?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know. 

• heritage
• territory

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how each featured item honors Latino cultures and heritage. 

1. What does Emily Key mean when she says “The Latino experience is the American experience”?
Key means that Latinos and Latinas are an important part of American society and have helped shaped the United States in many ways.
^{R.8 Reasons and Evidence}

2. Why do you think many Cubans have been willing to flee to the U.S. in balsas?
Many Cubans have been willing to flee to the U.S. in these rafts because they’re desperate. Conditions in Cuba are difficult, and people are willing to risk their safety to make new lives for themselves in the U.S.
^{R.1 Inference} 

3. How did Ellen Ochoa make history?
Ochoa made history in 1993 as the first Hispanic woman to travel to space.
^{R.2 Key Details}

FEATURED SKILL: Research
Continue your Hispanic Heritage Month exploration by using the Skill Builder “Inspiring Life Stories” to have students research and write about an influential Hispanic American. 
^{R.9 Research/Integrating Information}