Introduction
Every country has its own unique dialect, foods, music, art, and history that makes up its people. Despite the differences in background, most countries strive for amity and camaraderie with their global neighbors, both near and far. In the modern-era, many cultures have been influenced by others thanks to historical wars and/or trade. The internet has also played a huge role in culture-sharing in recent decades. Let's explore some of the ways that certain Spanish-speaking countries differ from each other, from our culture here in the United States of America, and how some of our traditions and practices may actually be quite similar.
Throughout this chapter, keep the following questions in mind:
- How do cultures vary by region? In what ways are they similar?
- Would any cultural difference create strife if a foreigner visited our hometown?
- How could we mitigate potential differences to create a more harmonious co-existence?
Task
- Test yourself on Hispanic History trivia
- Read an article for comprehension and answer questions regarding the material
- Watch a vide. Choose 2 regions from in the video and evaluate the cultural differences and similarities.
- The last task will be a group project. Choose a Spanish-speaking country, and pretend your school is hosting an exchange student from that country. You are responsible for making the new student feel welcome in the school and their new environment. Create a multimedia presentation of challenges they may experience and brainstorm ways to help with the transition. Consider things like difference in media, holidays and traditions, and recreational activities.
Process
- Complete this Hispanic History quiz to test your understanding of Hispanic Influences in the United States of America:
https://stories.state.gov/hispanic-heritage-quiz/
- Read this article and answer the following questions in Spanish:
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/09/15/mes-herencia-hispana-origen-significado-celebracion/86117776007/
- What are some reasons it's important to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage?
- Where and how did Hispanic Heritage Month begin?
- Watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XkjMJSIryg Choose 2 regions from in the video and discuss the cultural differences and similarities on the class forum.
-
Create a group of 3 people. Fist select a Spanish-speaking country to research. Brainstorm struggles an exchange student from that country would face, and ways these challenges may be addressed. Create a presentation to share with the class. Each group member must present a portion of the project and also submit a summary of their role and contributions.
Follow these steps to build your presentation. Remember, the challenges should not be focused on language barriers. Assume you and the exchange student will be able to communicate with minimal translation problems. These challenges should be focused on cultural differences.
Introduction - Introduce your exchange student's country of origin.
- Describe the region with information such as climate, major holidays, culture points and what their region is known for (example: agriculture, fishing, mining, or something else).
- Discuss some of the history of the region and how it has affected the contemporary lifestyle of the region.
Analysis - How may the exchange student's background create issues during their stay here? In what ways may it be easy for them?
- Compare how the exchange student's life to your own and demonstrate ways they may also vary.
- Evaluate why certain traditions may be important to the exchange student. Justify their importance and defend why and how they may be upheld.
Conclusion - Recap the key factors to consider
- Suggest activities that could help with the adjustment. The focus is to exchange cultures, so include experiences you could learn from the exchange student and vice versa.
- Recommend media such as books, movies or music we can use to learn about the exchange student's home.
References - APA Citations for the materials referenced in the presentation.
While the presentation does not need to be in PowerPoint format, you must prepare visuals for the class to view. Email a word document with your contribution summary to the email outlined in the class rubric by the presentation date. Include the responses to the video and article on the same document for submission.
Evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent | Good | Meets Expectation | Room For Improvement | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latin American Cultures Video | Response cites the video and comprehension is clear in the response. No grammatical errors. Similarities and Differences are addressed. Two or more regions are discussed. (9-10 pts) | Response cites the video and comprehension is mostly clear in the response. Similarities and differences discussed. Few grammatical errors. Two or more regions are discussed. (7-8 pts) | Response cites the video and comprehension is mostly clear in the response. Few grammatical errors. Two or more regions are discussed, but either similarities or differences missing. (5-6 pts) | Comprehension is not evident. Many grammatical errors. Comparison between regions missing. (0-4 pts) | _/10 |
| Hispanic Heritage Article | Both questions are addressed with accurate and thoughtful answers. Understanding of the article and critical thinking are evident. No grammatical errors exist. (9-10 pts) | Both questions are answered with accuracy and thoughtful answers. Understanding of the article is evident. Few grammatical errors exist. (7-8 pts) | Answers both questions with accurate information. Understanding of the article is evident. Some grammatical errors exist. (5-6 pts) | One or both questions are unanswered. Information is incorrect. Grammatical errors exist. (0-4 pts) | _/10 |
| Project Contribution | Evidence of equal and consistent team effort, no imbalances and plenty of information provided by each team member. Ideas connect and support each other's contributions. (16-20) | Teamwork is balanced. Each team member provided accurate information and quality notes. Ideas are easy to connect and organize. (11-15pts) |
Teamwork is generally balanced. Each team member provided accurate information and notes, even if some some notes are not used in the presentation, the effort to contribute is clear.(6-10 pts) |
No team effort, ideas are fractured or incoherent. (0-5 points) | _/20 |
| Presentation | No speaking errors, information is memorized, no reading from notes, clear and confident delivery. Presentation is clearly rehearsed but presenter is still engaging. Information is accurate and easy to follow, topics and ideas flow naturally. (51-60 pts) | Notes may be used but information is generally memorized. Presentation holds attention and information is accurate. Ideas may seem slightly scattered but overall concise and relate to each other. Generic but still pleasing imagery relating to the content it used throughout.. (41-50 pts) | Presenter is relying on notes and information is scattered. Accurate information but not clearly organized. Imagery and connections may be underused. (31-40 pts) | Presenter is missing or underprepared. Reading from the screen. Little to no imagery involved or information is inaccurate. Little to no cohesiveness throughout the presentation. (0-30 pts) | _/60 |
| Final Score: | _/100 |
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating an environment where a foreigner can feel safe and welcome. Our nation has been built by foreigners with a dream to create a new land, and we have often received aid from countries around the world. In taking the effort to relate and connect with someone of a different culture and background, you have developed your empathy and carried on the legacy of the United States of America. Here are more ideas of how you may continue exploring Hispanic cultures right here in Florida, all year long!
https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/hispanic-festivals-and-events-in-florida/
Credits
Resources used:
CronoVoces: Ecos del Pasado. (n.d.). La Cultura Popular en América Latina. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XkjMJSIryg
Kirschner, N. (2024, October). Quiz: How Hispanic Americans lift the United States. https://stories.state.gov/hispanic-heritage-quiz/
Q’va, B. (2025, September 15). ¿qué es el mes de la Herencia Hispana? cuándo empezó Y qué Presidente extendió El Homenaje a la cultura latina. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/09/15/mes-herencia-hispana-ori…
VISIT FLORIDA. (2025, May 5). Hispanic festivals and events in Florida. VISIT FLORIDA. https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/hispanic-festivals-a…
Teacher Page
Imani Edouard-Sierra
Grade Level: 10-12
Subject: Advanced Spanish
Learning Objectives:
- WL.K12.AM.3.8 - Handle a complex situation or unexpected turn of events and propose solutions to problems presented during interaction.
- WL.K12.AM.6.1 - Evaluate practices and perspectives (such as patterns of behavior, values, attitudes, beliefs, or viewpoints) typical of the target culture(s).
- WL.K12.AM.6.4 - Research diverse cultural products among groups in other societies (e.g., celebrations, literature, architecture, music, dance, theater, political systems, economic systems, number systems, social systems, belief systems).