The hybrid music of the group "Kid Creole and the Coconuts" shows traces of every popular music style that has aroused New York City during the past 40 years--big band swing, Latin dance music, calypso, reggae, disco, funk, soul, rock, and movie pop. The fictitious characters the members of the band assume on stage, together with their…

Developed as part of a multicultural research project in the San Diego Community College District, this booklet presents the findings of a 10-member research team about various elements of Mexican-American culture. The areas covered are: (1) historical background on the Mexican heritage of the United States from pre-colonial times to the present…

This packet of six lesson plans highlights Mexican-American life on a Texas cotton farm in the early 20th century. Each lesson provides a lesson overview; states educational objectives; cites materials needed; details the procedure for classroom implementation; offers a closure activity; and suggests an extension activity. The packet is divided…

A discussion of the Hispanic character includes comments on the emulation of an ideal self; the sociopolitical background centered around a large, loving family network; congeniality; sense of humor; work ethics, attitudes, and habits; and religion. The article notes three significant realities surrounding differences among Hispanic groups. (SB)

Results of a study to determine the effects of strong family orientation on elderly Chicanos' knowledge of and participation in government work-training programs suggest that familism is a critical component of Chicano culture and that it limits the elderly Chicanos' awareness of, but not enthusiasm for, government programs. (Author/SB)

Interviews with 47 Hispanic women, 35-50, from Southwestern United States focused on critical life events, conflict areas, future aspirations, work-related issues, and personal development issues. These women find their rich cultural heritage a strength, but feel free to reject repressive parts of it. In common with other women, a major conflict…

Currently the only Hispanic company that rotates productions daily, New York-based nonprofit Repertorio Espanol performs classical and contemporary Hispanic plays in Spanish with simultaneous English translation. To develop appreciation of Hispanic literature and culture in a new generation of theatergoers, the troupe performs discount matinees…

Offers brief descriptions of 16 books in English (published in 1997 and 1998) about Latino people and cultures. Arranges these noteworthy books into five broad areas: fiction, history, literature, poetry, and sociology. (SR)

Describes the impact of a multi-ethnic, multicultural program, designed to immerse students in Mexican culture as a means of combating ignorance of and violence against members of ethnic groups at Fairfield University. Interviews, pretests and post-tests, and participant observations are used to determine whether the training program was…

Describes a proposed comprehensive model for recruiting and retaining Mexican-American students at Iowa State University. Presents the academic and cultural issues facing Mexican-American students, as well as how Hispanic cultural values could be addressed in the comprehensive recruitment and retention model. (Author/EV)

Investigated Mexican American cultural traits displayed by young children during sociodramatic play in a bilingual preschool classroom. Cultural traits identified as funds of knowledge include language, values, beliefs, ways of discipline, household care, and value of education. Findings underscore the inadequacy of representing cultures through…

Encouraging teachers of middle and secondary school students to learn to write using their own folklore, each chapter in this book presents a 1- to 3-week unit of study including background information, student activities, transcripts of discussions, and suggested readings for both teachers and students. After an introduction (Knowing Our Insides…

This curriculum presentation outlines how to celebrate five Mexican holidays in the classroom: Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, Fiesta, Las Posados, and Three Kings Day. The goal is to help children learn through hands-on activities and real-life experiences. The format for each holiday celebration includes a brief history with ideas for…

Providing preservice and inservice teachers with a selection of titles in multicultural children's literature, this 183-item annotated bibliography is divided into sections representing the following cultural groups--African-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, and exceptional children. Entries in the bibliography contain an estimation of…

The term "Hispanic" is an umbrella term that encompasses people from many nationalities, all races, and many social and cultural groups. Hispanics are also collectively called Latinos. The biographies in this series represent the diversity of Hispanic heritage in the United States. The people featured are contemporary figures of…