Central Christian School students celebrate Mexican Independence Day

McALLEN — Pre-kindergarten students at Central Christian School celebrated their neighbors’ independence Wednesday by dancing La Raspa, dressing in traditional Mexican attire and playing games.

But their favorite part of the celebration was, by far, the snack of pan dulce and hot chocolate.

“It’s yummy for my stomach,” said 4-year-old Ethan Roberts, a student in Sandra Copson’s class.

For the past several years, pre-kindergarten teachers Copson and Yvette Gomez have given their students lessons on Mexican history, culture and language. The lesson culminates with a party in celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day, which is observed on Sept. 15 or 16.

Copson said she and Gomez like to take advantage of the holiday to teach their students about their neighbors to the south.

“They’re only 4, but I think it’s important,” Copson said.

On Wednesday, the children practiced saying, “Thank you,” “You’re welcome,” and other phrases in Spanish as they ate their snacks.

“It’s very cool because we like cookies,” said Calatina Arriaga, a 4-year-old in Copson’s class.

Both classes joined to dance La Raspa, a traditional Mexican dance. Afterward, children in Copson’s class played lotería, a game similar to bingo, while those in Gomez’s class showed how to play instruments such as castanets and a small, hand-held drum called a tambora.

Students from both classes said they had fun coloring pictures of the Mexican flag and learning about that country’s culture.

“My favorite is the cowboy,” said Leo Salinas, a 4-year-old in Gomez’s class.

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Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.