Virtual Viewing Party: Cinco de Mayo

What is a Virtual Viewing Party?

A virtual viewing party is a shared viewing experience of a brand-new Discovery Education video, Celebrate with DE: Cinco de Mayo (Canadian Version). The video discusses the establishment of the holiday, its symbolism, and the traditional ways of celebration.

Thousands of classrooms will simultaneously access this video and share their thoughts and reflections about the planet and the importance of appreciating its bounty. If this is your first virtual viewing party read our FAQs for additional information.

The content and activities are suitable for all grades but we recommend you preview the video to determine if it is appropriate for your students.

How to Watch

We recommend you download the video, Celebrate with DE: Cinco de Mayo (Canadian Version), in advance of your viewing party for the most seamless viewing experience.

This video is available to all Discovery Education Streaming, Science Techbook, Social Studies Techbook and Math Techbook customers. If you are not currently a subscriber to these services, you can sign-up for a free trial to watch the video for this event.

What if we are participating in the on-demand event?

During our Virtual Viewing Party, join the conversation by following @DiscoveryEd on Twitter. Share photos of your classroom viewing, reflections from the essential questions, and more using #CelebratewithDE. Not on Twitter? Our Cinco de Mayo Padlet will enable you to share reflections, photos, and outcomes, while seeing what other classes have to say.

To make the most of the virtual viewing party with your class, we suggest the following activities.

Before the Viewing Party

There are many rich traditions celebrated on Cinco de Mayo and our Content Collection: Cinco de Mayo showcases many of them. Allow your students to browse the collection according to their own interests, whether music, food, art, or dance. Each student may watch/read/listen to one or more resources. Have small groups with like interests (or the whole class) create a PechaKucha (Canadian Version) together to document their new knowledge and prep for deeper learning.

During the Viewing Party
As the students watch the video, have them keep a T-chart with these columns: Already Knew | New Information. This is a good time to practice quick note-taking, as students should only jot down words or phrases as they watch. For example, “1862” or “Puebla” should be enough for the date and place of the battle the holiday commemorates.

After the Viewing Party
Plan a Cinco de Mayo celebration of your own. If time does not allow an actual party, encourage your students to consider what they might bring to a Cinco de Mayo party. Would they make a particular dish? Have them research the recipe. Would they play music? Have them select and learn a song. Would they lead a dance? Have them learn the steps. If it is possible to host a party…have fun!

Share your students' thinking and top qualities via your personal, class, or school Twitter account. Don’t forget to share it all with us on Padlet and Twitter @DiscoveryEd using #CelebratewithDE.