Monday, May 21, 2012

Cinco de Mayo Mini Lesson

Let’s celebrate. There is always something to celebrate every month. This month we will focus on the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French armies in Puebla on May 5, 1862. Many people get confused about this holiday thinking it celebrates Mexican independence, which is celebrated September 15th.

Cinco de Mayo was started in 1967 by a group of students from California State University who decided that there were no Chicano holidays. They wanted to celebrate their heritage, their history and identity. These students decided that the battle of Puebla was symbolic and would also help them establish Chicano studies at their university.

Today this holiday is more of a celebration of Mexican culture, food, music, and beverage unique to Mexico. Here is a link to a great Mexican recipe and science activity--making guacamole and growing an avocado pit.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Math Anxiety OR Math Fun?

Does your child have math anxiety? I was full of math anxiety when I was in elementary school. My teacher told my mother I had a mental block. All I know is that it sure didn’t feel good.

I truly believe the real reason I had a block or any kid has a hard time with math is because it hasn’t been taught to them according to their learning style. Kids need a solid concrete foundation in order to succeed in anything, math included. So, discover your child’s learning style, then present math to them the way they learn best. Math can be fun!