Week 9- Mexican Influence in The U.S. (B)
Our Journal – Mexican Influence in the United States Edition
Week 9 – March 28th
Mexican Influence in the U.S. – A Cultural Connection
Mexico and the United States share a strong connection. Mexican food, music, and traditions are a big part of American culture. Many popular foods in the U.S., like tacos and burritos, come from Mexico. Spanish is also very common in the U.S. More than 40 million people speak Spanish! You can see Spanish words on signs, in restaurants, and in everyday conversation. Learning about Mexican culture helps us understand and appreciate the mix of traditions in America.
Idiom of the Week
Idiom: "Spice things up"
Meaning: To make something more fun or exciting.
Example: She wanted to spice things up, so she added extra salsa to her tacos.
Words of the Week: Learn New Words! (8)
👉 Heritage – Traditions and customs from family or culture.
Example: Día de los Muertos is an important part of Mexican heritage.
👉 Fusion – A mix of different styles or cultures.
Example: Tex-Mex food is a fusion of Mexican and American flavors.
👉 Authentic – Real and traditional.
Example: The small taco shop serves authentic Mexican food.
👉 Savory – A food that is salty or spicy, not sweet.
Example: Tacos al pastor are a delicious savory dish.
👉 Influence – When something changes or affects another thing.
Example: Mexican culture has a big influence on American food.
👉 Tradition – A special activity people do for many years.
Example: Making tamales for Christmas is a family tradition.
👉 Cultural Exchange – Sharing ideas and traditions between different cultures.
Example: Mariachi music in the U.S. is an example of cultural exchange.
👉 Iconic – Something famous and easy to recognize.
Example: The sombrero is an iconic Mexican hat.
Quote of the Week
"The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people." — Unknown
Book of the Week
"Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America" by Gustavo Arellano
📚 Learn About Mexican Food in the U.S.:
This book tells the story of how tacos, burritos, and other Mexican foods became popular in America.
✨ Key Takeaway: Mexican food is now an important part of American life.
Fill in the Blanks – Try It!
Use the words from this week’s list to complete the sentences:
The mix of Spanish and English in the U.S. is a great example of ___________.
Many families follow the ___________ of making tamales for special events.
The restaurant serves ___________ Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients.
Journal of the Week – Write Your Story!
Theme: Mexican Influence in Your Life
Write about how Mexican culture has influenced your life. Do you have a favorite Mexican food or tradition? Have you shared it with a friend? Use at least three words from this week’s list!
