{"id":2135,"date":"2023-09-06T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newed.any0.dpdns.org\/en-us\/education\/blog\/2023\/09\/06\/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-with-microsoft-and-minecraft-education\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T22:39:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T06:39:45","slug":"celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-with-microsoft-and-minecraft-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newed.any0.dpdns.org\/en-us\/education\/blog\/2023\/09\/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-with-microsoft-and-minecraft-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Microsoft and Minecraft Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every year from September 15th to October 15th marks Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time in which we demonstrate support for the Hispanic community and celebrate the valuable contributions and cultural influences of people whose ancestors derive from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. According to the U.S. Census Bureau<\/a>, the population of individuals who have roots in the Hispanic and Latino culture in the U.S. has increased from 6.2% in 1980 to 18.7% in 2021, with a projection of 28%<\/a> by 2060.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We unite in solidarity with this culturally rich community, honoring their rich tapestry of experiences, traditions, and contributions. Together, we also pause to reflect upon their resilience in the face of adversity, striving to counteract unfavorable perceptions, inequality, and oppression. At Microsoft Education, we believe that fostering knowledge about the Hispanic and Latino community within the classroom serves as a crucial means of heightening awareness about their achievements, historical, and cultural significance. Let\u2019s look at some opportunities for educators to enhance Hispanic Heritage Month lesson plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhance representation and engage in learning with Minecraft Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Navigate through Minecraft Education\u2019s LatinExplorers world<\/a>, which gives students an opportunity to see themselves in the game and dig deeper into topics critical to the Hispanic community and culture. In the game, players meet characters based on Latino leaders who are doing extraordinary things in climate science, community services, and the creative arts with the goal of inspiring a new generation of leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re excited to announce that coming September 19th, students will have another opportunity to see themselves and their cultures represented in the LatinExplorers 2 world from Minecraft Education. Watch students step into the world of three wonder women who rose to the challenge of making the world a better place. In this partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, players will explore the journeys of three new mentors\u2014Gloria Estefan, the Cuban-American singer who never gave up, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space, and Monica Ramirez, a powerful social activist and attorney who works tirelessly in women\u2019s rights. Inspire your students to embrace similar perseverance, kindness, creativity, and leadership as they walk toward the future!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Decorative.\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Play Minecraft Education\u2019s LatinExplorers 2 world starting September 19th and explore the journeys of three wonder women who rose to the challenge of making the world a better place.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Minecraft Education<\/a>\u2019s diverse and inclusive array of tools to build your Hispanic Heritage Month lesson plan and reengage students this school year. Plan game-based learning with easy-to-use educator guides, family resources, and additional materials, allowing students to learn and explore through guided practice and independent journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Minecraft is one of the games that we encourage our kids to play because they can explore, learn, and collaborate with other friends. We saw the opportunity to showcase real-world Hispanic heroes utilizing one of the world\u2019s most popular games\u2014and one in which my children love to play\u2014to reach a new generation of leaders. <\/p>\nAntonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Ready to learn more about using Minecraft Education to build your Hispanic Heritage Month lessons in your classroom? Explore these resources designed to help you teach with Minecraft Education and gain confidence in enhancing students’ learning about Hispanic culture through virtual engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n