Cinco de Mayo may not be the real Mexican Independence Day, but we can still have fun celebrating it here in the United States. The day offers a great opportunity to teach kids about a different culture and language, and since Spanish has become so popular in children's media (especially media for preschoolers), it is easier than ever.

Dora the Explorer, for example, has been on the air for more than seven years, and according to Nick, it still ranks as the number one series for preschoolers. A pioneer series in the current trend of interactive TV, Dora was also one of the first to introduce kids to Spanish. Dora and her friends also help kids learn basic knowledge such as colors, numbers, letters, but the emphasis is on simple Spanish words and the show also infuses Latin-style music and culture.

• Dora the Explorer - TV Show Review for Parents
• Dora the Explorer - DVDs
• More Preschoolers' Shows that Teach Kids Spanish Words

(Photo © Nick Jr.)