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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Message

I. Background

  1. Country and State Fact Sheet
    Blank Fact Sheet
    Completed Fact Sheet
  2. Big Maps
  3. The Mexican Flag
    Flag Terminology Handout
  4. Mexico's National Anthem
  5. History of Mexico and Veracruz

II. Music

  1. Los Utrera, Son Jarocho, El Fandango & Versada
  2. Instrument Making for
    Students and Adults
  3. World Music Links
  4. World Culture Links

III. Mexican Culture

  1. What is Culture?
    What is Culture? handout
  2. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
  3. Folklore
    Folklore Values Survey
  4. Culinary Culture
  5. Religions of Mexico—Architecture
    Religions of Mexico—Origin Myths

IV. Here and Now

  1. Migration and Immigration
  2. Borders
  3. Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples
  4. Stereotypes

V. Community Connections

  1. Before and After Questions
  2. Intercultural Connections
  3. The Heritage and Oral History Projects
  4. Student Curator Project
  5. Class Newspaper or Web site
  6. Culture on Parade
  7. Student Participation in Events

This curriculum was written by Jeanne Paliatka and Olaf Nelson for Arts Midwest.

Mexico

I: BACKGROUND

Part 4: Mexico's National Anthem

Introduction:
Like flags, anthems are important national symbols that provide an avenue for the exploration of a culture's values and history.

Overview:
Students will analyze the anthems of the United States and Mexico to discern the values of both countries. Students will also write an individual, family, school or community anthem.

Objectives:
Students will analyze and interpret the words of the national anthems of Mexico and the United States.
Students will discern the values and history of Mexico through an analysis of its anthem.
To gain an understanding and appreciation of the national anthem of Mexico, students will listen to the anthem and view its lyrics.
Students will identify ideas and themes they find meaningful and write an individual, family, school or community anthem.

Grade Level:
Elementary through high school

Time Required:
One to two class periods

Materials:
A copy of the lyrics of the anthems of Mexico and the United States
An audio copy of the Mexican national anthem
Notebook paper
Pencils or pens
Teachers may direct students to the Student Resources Pages where they can follow relevant links without having access to lesson plans.

Procedure:

  1. Ask students to review the words to "The Star Spangled Banner." Ask students the following questions: What is the purpose of a national anthem? How do you feel when you hear the "Star Spangled Banner"? What do you know of its history? What conclusions could someone unfamiliar with the United States draw based on "The Star Spangled Banner"? Would those conclusions be accurate? Why or why not?
  2. Give students a copy of the words to the Mexican national anthem, "Himno Nacional Mexicano." (provided below) Ask them to read the words while they listen to a recording of it. (link provided below).
  3. Ask them the following questions: How did the music make you feel? What do the lyrics mean? What qualities or values do the lyrics highlight about Mexico? What conclusions could we draw about Mexico from its anthem? Do you think these conclusions are accurate? If not, why include these ideas and values in the anthem? Do you see any similarities between the anthems of Mexico and the US?
  4. To extend the lesson, ask students to brainstorm a list of objects and values that are important to them, their family, school or community. Have them choose a popular song, with which most of the class would be familiar. Utilizing their list, have them write an individual anthem, or an anthem for their family, school or community. They should create several verses and a chorus. This can be done in class or as homework. They could work in groups in writing an anthem for the school or community. Otherwise they will most likely need to work individually.

Extensions:
Depending on the age of students and time constraints, students could

  • give an oral explanation of the symbols and colors of their anthems
  • write an explanation of their anthems
  • turn in their individual anthems and the teacher could read them to the class, asking students to match the anthem to the students in the class
  • re-write the Mexican national anthem into their own words (perhaps utilizing a certain number of vocabulary or spelling words as practice)
  • illustrate the Mexican national anthem
  • create a comic strip based on the Mexcian National anthem

Resources:
(Links will open in new windows.)

Side by side lyrics of the Mexican National Anthem in Spanish and English.

Short history of the Mexican National Anthem

Lyrics to "The Star Spangled Banner" to use for comparison