Provide an empty film canister for each toddler. With proper adult supervision, preschool students can decorate the canisters with paint and glitter. Allow at least 24 hours for canisters to dry. Alternatively, provide students with an array of stickers to customize the containers. Place 1/2 tablespoon dry beans or rice into the containers and snap on the lids. Allow the students to use the maracas while dancing to traditional music. Closely supervise young children with dried beans, as they can present a choking hazard.
Offer a healthy treat to toddlers by organizing a traditional taco bar. Enlist parents and volunteers to serve the children. Include enough menu options to feed students with food allergies. Prepare beans, rice, cheese and meat in advance of the event. Allow students to pick out fillings and pack their own taco shell, flour or corn tortilla. If a limited number of adults necessitate a simpler treat, make simple nachos or quesadillas for the group.
Design a parfait bar where preschoolers can recreate the Mexican flag and enjoy a sweet treat. Prior to the event, prepare red and green gelatin and whipped topping, using sugar-free options if necessary. Cut the gelatin into 1 inch squares. Provide toddlers with small, clear plastic cups. Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of green gelatin into the bottom of each cup, followed by a small amount of whipped topping. Complete the flag parfait with a final 1/4 cup of red gelatin.
Purchasing and filling a pinata is a traditional Mexican party activity for young children. Using the pinata as entertainment for a group of toddlers requires slight modification and close supervision to ensure that children are not hurt and pinata fillings are equally distributed among event attendees. Engage the toddlers in placing items into the prepared pinata. To accommodate students who are not allowed to eat sugar, use alternatives to candy. Give students plastic bags filled with healthy snacks or small toys for filling the pinata.