We are having so much fun studying Mexico! Today we made tortillas- both corn and flour varieties. We even tried grinding our own corn, but decided to use store bought mesa harina for our tortillas. Our "grinding stones" were kinda dirty. We've read a few books of Mexican folk tales and some books on the history of Mexico and it's people. Here are some links to some projects and stuff we plan to get around to before we're done. And ofcourse, we are planning a fiesta!

 

Papier-Mâché Sombrero: To make a sombrero, you  need two circles of paper about 36 inches in diameter. Mix flour and water to make paste. Spread paste on top of one circle and place the other circle on top. Mold a circle around the head of the wearer (this will take two people) and tie a string around it to hold it in place. When the forms are set, the child can remove the mold. Have them curl the edges of their sombrero to make the brim. Let the hat dry overnight. The sobrero can then be painted with tempera paint in colorful designs. Let the paint dry. Then punch a hole in each side of the brim and run a string over the back of the brim and through the holes to tie the hat on.

 

Cookie Sombrero: Use frosting to glue a gumdrop to the center of a sugar cookie.

 

Mexican poncho: Cut sides from a paper grocery sack so you have one long rectangle. Cut a diamond shape so the paper poncho will fit over the top of child's head. Have child color patterns on the sack with crayons, cut fringe at the bottom, and wear.

 

Maracas

 

Paper Ristra: In a typical Mexican market, you can commonly find as many as 20 varieties of chili peppers, ranging in flavor from subtle to fiery hot. Available in many sizes and colors, they are often strung together into a decorative ristra and hung on doors.

 

Woven Mat

 

Papel Picado: These tissue paper decorations are hung along a string like flags or banners.

 

History of Pinatas

 

Papier-Mâché Pinata

 

Paper Bag Pinata: an easier version for little children.

 

Ojo de Dios: The " Ojo de Dios" or God's Eye is an ancient symbol made by the Huichol Indians of Mexico. The central eye was made when a child was born. Each year, a bit of yarn was added until the child turned five at which point the Ojo was complete. 

 

Mayan Math

 

Mayan Phrases