Celebrating Grandparents and Our Heritage

Whether they call them Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Pop Pop, or Abuelita and Abuelito, kids love their grandparents. By whatever name, grandparents are special to children, always ready with a hug and wonderful stories.

For first- or second-generation immigrant families, grandparents often provide a link to a family's cultural heritage and native language. This year, Colorín Colorado is celebrating that connection with a new bilingual booklist, Every Day Is Grandparents' Day (also available in Spanish). These books about grandparents from around the world celebrate all that grandparents have to offer — and what their grandchildren offer them in return.

One of my favorite new books from the list is Braids / Trencitas by Kathleen Contreras, published by Lectorum. It tells the story of Abuela and Isabela, who tell each other stories while Abuela braids and unbraids Isabela's hair every day. Isabela soon discovers that Abuela has a hard time reading, but she comes up with a wonderful solution to help her grandmother. This heartwarming story brings to life the importance of passing down traditions from one generation to the next, and of sharing our stories with each other.

For more suggestions of related children's books, take a look at the Great Books About Grandparents booklist from Reading Rockets as well.

Speaking of heritage, it's time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month once again! Be sure to check out the local events in your neighborhood or school, such as library programs, concerts, and festivals. If there aren't any events happening, plan something fun for your child's classroom, the neighbors, or your relatives.

Hispanic Heritage Month brings opportunities for lots of fun, but it also a time to remember the contributions and sacrifices of many generations of Hispanic Americans, and to appreciate what is special in your own family. Now more than ever, in this age of the "achievement gap," young Hispanic Americans need to be reminded that positive role models surround them, from pioneering astronauts and public servants to the loving family members and teachers who support them every day.

Get started with Colorín Colorado's Hispanic Heritage Month Resources (also available in Spanish), which include puzzles, biographies of famous Hispanic men and women, and lots of educational materials.

Also, be sure to check out the recommended websites on the Resource page -- from PBS and the Smithsonian to National Geographic and the History Channel, there are lots of engaging activities for all ages.

And at the end of a busy day, curl up with a book from our Hispanic Heritage booklist (also available in Spanish), such as Super Oscar by Oscar De La Hoya & Mark Shulman or My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia by Monica Brown. Both of these books offer the opportunity to discuss what it really means to pursue a dream, and to believe in your own future.

If you get a little overwhelmed by it all, remember that you don't have to cram it all in this month - after all, every month is Hispanic Heritage Month!