Teaching & Learning: Mexico, Beyond Day of the Dead

A very good friend and teacher told me once that the best way to learn about a new topic (at the time it was fourth grade New York State history) was to read primary level, non-fiction books. She was so right. Having general knowledge of a topic allows you to start asking the questions that will lead to research; which will inevitably lead you to a deeper understanding of your subject. When we teach Mexico, China and South Africa in third grade, we often let the class browse through trade books that initially peak their interests. They spend a lot of time with these books, along with other resources, and by the end of the school year they know the specific aspect of a country (government, culture, geography, history, economy) they want to learn more about.

Here are some titles to get you started on learning more about Mexico.