Description

LatinX Heritage is an identity-affirming Ethnic Studies lesson that invites secondary students to explore Latinx Heritage Month beyond surface-level celebration. Grounded in counter-narrative storytelling and critical media analysis, this lesson centers representation, lived experience, and the importance of Latinx voices in history, culture, and literature.

Designed for grades 6–12, this lesson may be taught as two 50-minute class periods or one 100-minute block, offering flexibility across middle and high school schedules. Students engage with videos, music, discussion, and guided note-taking to explore how Latinx people are represented in media and why those representations matter. Through structured discussion protocols, students examine identity, ethnicity, and the concept of windows and mirrors in storytelling.

Students are introduced to significant Latinx stories and authors, then conduct independent research on young adult books written by Latinx authors, strengthening connections between identity, literacy, and representation. The lesson intentionally situates Latinx Heritage Month within a broader Ethnic Studies framework, encouraging educators and students to reflect on why marginalized histories should be taught year-round—not only during designated months.

What’s Included

• Slide-based lesson with educator and student directions included

• Student worksheet for note-taking, reflection, and research

• Media-based learning activities (video, music, discussion)

• Vocabulary development aligned to Ethnic Studies concepts

• Independent research task on Latinx young adult literature

• Alignment with WAESN Elements of Liberation, Washington State Social Studies Standards, and C3 Framework

Why Educators Use This Lesson

• Moves beyond “heroes and holidays” approaches

• Centers counter-narratives and lived experiences

• Supports critical media literacy and discussion skills

• Encourages student connection through literature and identity

• Requires minimal preparation with high instructional impact

This lesson is ideal for educators seeking secondary Ethnic Studies curriculum that is identity-affirming, standards-aligned, and designed to foster critical thinking about representation, history, and belonging.