Cinco de Mayo History Reading and Crossword Puzzle

Discover the rich history of Cinco de Mayo with this engaging and educational resource, ideal for middle and high school students. Our comprehensive activity features a captivating reading passage detailing the significance and celebration of Cinco de Mayo, paired with fun and challenging crossword puzzles to enhance retention and understanding. Perfect for classrooms or at-home learning, this resource is designed to make history both informative and enjoyable.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States and as a minor holiday in Mexico. This holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla, when a group of Mexican troops fought against the French army and defeated them. It is now celebrated as a recognition to the Mexican culture and traditions.

With this packet, students will learn all this and more about how the Cinco de Mayo holiday got started. First, they will read about the history and culture of Cinco de Mayo in a two-page passage. Then, they will answer 16 questions about what they read and they will put their answers in a crossword puzzle.

This activity would work well around May 5th or during a Mexican history unit in a Spanish, history or social studies class. It is designed for middle school or high school students. This activity has nearly no prep, with only one step of printing off the activity sheets for each student. It would also work well as a sub plan.

This product includes:

1. Teacher Directions-including prep info and materials needed 

2. Procedure 

3. Student Packet-two pages of reading about Cinco de Mayo and a crossword puzzle based on the reading.

4. Crossword Puzzle Answers

5. Crossword Puzzle written answers.

6. Teacher Copy of Reading with Locations of Crossword Answers Highlighted

7. Teacher Tips

8. Websites and Further Reading

For this activity you will need:

• Pencil

• Copy of The History of Cinco de Mayo and Crossword Puzzle packet for each student (INCLUDED)

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