Incorporating cultural traditions into Spanish classes is a great way to spark students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Three Kings’ Day (El Día de los Reyes Magos) is one such tradition that captures the essence of the holiday season in many Hispanic countries. Celebrated on the morning of January 6th, this special occasion commemorates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus. It’s also a fun way for students to learn about how children leave their shoes out for los Reyes Magos to fill with small gifts, tying in the excitement of this beloved tradition. Here’s how you can introduce this Spanish Christmas tradition to your students through meaningful and fun activities.
Why Teach About Three Kings’ Day?
Many students in the U.S. associate the holiday season with Santa Claus and Christmas Day (December 25th) as the end of the celebration. However, in much of the Spanish-speaking world, especially in Latin American countries and Spain, Three Kings’ Day is just as significant, if not more so. It’s a day steeped in family traditions, gift-giving, and cultural activities like eating the roscón de reyes (a sweet bread cake). By highlighting this tradition, Spanish teachers can help students see the diversity of celebrations in Hispanic culture and connect these practices to their own.
Activities for Teaching About Three Kings’ Day
1. Pasaporte Cultural: El Día de los Reyes Magos
For a deep dive into the holiday, this activity offers a variety of activities designed to build comprehension and encourage cultural exploration. It includes:
- Reading passages with Spanish vocabulary words and vivid images to help students visualize the traditions.
- Comprehension questions to ensure understanding.
- A cultural comparison Venn diagram, where students can compare Three Kings’ Day with traditions like Christmas Day or Santa Claus.
This activity is perfect for middle school, high school, and even elementary students, as it can be tailored to different proficiency levels. Check it out here!
2. Web Quest: El Día de los Reyes Magos
Encourage students to become researchers! A web quest is a great way to have students independently learn about:
- The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (the parade on the night of January 5th).
- How families prepare the nativity scene, focusing on the arrival of the three wise men.
- Regional variations in celebrations, from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic and South America.
The web quest comes in Google Slides and PDF formats, making it easy to integrate into lesson plans for both in-person and online classes.
3. El Día de los Reyes Magos Pixel Art
For a fun activity with minimal prep, this digital exercise includes a short reading passage about the feast of the Epiphany and comprehension questions. Students reveal a surprise pixel art image as they answer questions correctly. This interactive activity is perfect for:
- Reinforcing reading comprehension.
- Engaging students in a new format.
- Offering a good time while learning.
4. Playing Games: Matamoscas and ¡SEIS!
Nothing gets students more excited than games, and these options will keep your class lively:
- Matamoscas: A whole-class game where students race to find images or words related to Three Kings’ Day, such as rosca de reyes, baby Jesus, or the bright star that led the wise men.
- ¡SEIS!: A partner or group game where students practice Spanish vocabulary words while having fun. Incorporate phrases like día de reyes, 12th day of Christmas, and traditional rosca de reyes to make it topical.
Both games are adaptable for different age groups, from little kids to high school students.
Incorporating Crafts and Food
1. Easy Crafts: The North Star
Have students create their own north star to symbolize the one that guided the wise men. This craft can be paired with a discussion about the nativity scene and the role of the three kings in the holiday season.
2. Making a Roscón de Reyes
For a main course activity, discuss or even make a roscón de reyes in class. This ring-shaped cake is not only a delicious treat but also a way to introduce students to the tradition of hiding a small figurine (often of baby Jesus) inside. Whoever finds it is crowned “king” for the day! If baking isn’t an option, show a funny video or a step-by-step guide to explain the process. You can also try to find a roscón de reyes in a Latin American bakery in your town.
Connecting the Holiday to Broader Themes
1. Spanish-Speaking Countries
Discuss how Three Kings’ Day is celebrated differently across the Spanish-speaking world. For example:
- In Puerto Rico, children leave hay under their beds for the kings’ camels.
- In Spain, the holiday culminates with the grand Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos.
- In Mexico, families gather on the Twelfth Night to share the roscón de reyes.
This cultural comparison helps students appreciate the different traditions within the Hispanic culture.
2. Tying It to the Rest of the Year
End your lesson by reflecting on how cultural traditions like Three Kings’ Day enrich not just the holiday season but also foster a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity throughout the year. Encourage students to consider how learning about traditions from different parts of the world can shape their perspectives and build connections to their own lives. For instance, discuss how the idea of leaving shoes for los Reyes Magos mirrors traditions like hanging stockings for Santa Claus, emphasizing universal themes of anticipation and generosity.
You can also extend this idea by incorporating other holidays or traditions from the Spanish-speaking world into your curriculum. This keeps students engaged in cultural exploration beyond the Christmas season, helping them recognize that culture is a vibrant, year-round experience. By highlighting these traditions, students develop a stronger cultural competency that benefits them academically and personally, creating connections that last well beyond the classroom.
Bringing It All Together
Three Kings’ Day offers a unique opportunity for Spanish teachers to explore cultural traditions while engaging students with fun activities, comprehension questions, and hands-on projects. Whether you’re teaching in middle school, high school, or to elementary students, these lesson ideas will make the holiday come alive in your classroom.
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Pin this post to your social media or save it for later to use in your lesson plans. Celebrate the holiday season with your students while bringing the Spanish-speaking world to life!
Jade Greene
