Cinco de Mayo Comprehension Worksheet to Print

This Cinco de Mayo comprehension worksheet is one of my favorite ways to combine reading, history, and culture—all in one no-prep activity.

Cinco de Mayo isn’t just about tacos and music (though we love both!). It’s a great opportunity to connect your child with the rich history of the Mexican people, the victory of the Mexican army at the Battle of Puebla, and the difference between Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day.

Whether you’re teaching a 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, or 4th grade child, this printable worksheet makes it easy to bring history and literacy together in a way that feels both simple and meaningful.

So, grab your coffee and let’s explore a fun, engaging reading comprehension activity to celebrate one of the most popular holidays in May—one page at a time. ☕📚

What’s the Difference Between Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day?

Many people confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence Day, but they are two separate holidays with different historical events.

• Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16. It marks Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810.
• Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army defeated the better-equipped French soldiers.

While Mexican Independence Day is a national holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday in Mexico but has become a popular cultural celebration in the United States, especially among Mexican-American communities.

What’s a Simple Way to Teach the Significance of Cinco de Mayo?

Understanding popular holidays like Cinco de Mayo goes deeper than crafts or themed snacks (although those are really fun, too!). A well-crafted comprehension worksheet is a great way to expose your child to informational text while reinforcing key literacy skills.

This Cinco de Mayo comprehension worksheet includes:

• A pre-reading anticipation guide to spark discussion
• Short nonfiction reading passages
• A cloze reading activity with a word bank
• Short answer comprehension questions to build critical thinking
• Teacher-friendly lesson plans so you’ll know exactly what to do
• An answer key

It’s a ideal for young learners:

• 1st–4th grade students
• Morning work, independent practice, or as part of a Cinco de Mayo thematic unit
• Multi-age homeschools looking for different levels of engagement

Why I Love Using Comprehension Worksheets for Holidays

I’ll be honest—when I first started homeschooling, I didn’t think much about using worksheets around holidays. I worried it would feel too school-y or dry. I wanted to do lots of hands on things- cooking, crafts, etc.

But here’s what I discovered: When used intentionally, comprehension worksheets can do so much more than check a box.

They help our kids:

• Practice using context clues
• Learn new vocabulary 
• Apply critical thinking with short answer questions
• Build knowledge of social studies content 

And when it comes to Cinco de Mayo worksheets, you can pair them with art, food, or books for a hands-on, full-circle learning experience.

Inside the Cinco de Mayo Comprehension Worksheet

Here’s what your child will experience:

Step 1: Anticipation Guide

Before reading, your child will respond to thought-provoking statements like:

• Cinco de Mayo is the same as Mexican Independence Day.
• The French army had more soldiers than the Mexican army.
• Cinco de Mayo is only celebrated in Mexico.

Step 2: Cloze Reading Passage

This is where the real literacy work happens. The passage explains the key events of the Battle of Puebla, but with blank spaces where your child will use the word bank to find the best word. It’s a fun challenge that encourages close reading and reinforces vocabulary.

Step 3: Short Answer Questions

After reading, your child will respond to comprehension questions like:

• What was the significance of the Battle of Puebla?
• How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States?
• Why did the Mexican army’s victory surprise people?

These questions move your child beyond surface-level reading and into real understanding—even at an elementary level.

Want to Extend the Lesson? Try These Cinco de Mayo Activities

If you’d like to turn this worksheet into a full mini-unit, here are some easy, engaging Cinco de Mayo activities to go with it:

• Draw the Mexican flag and write what each color stands for
• Cook a traditional foods like guacamole or quesadillas
• Listen to mariachi music and talk about instruments used in Mexican culture
• Watch or try a traditional dance, like folklórico, and talk about its meaning and cultural roots
• Compare holidays: Have your child write about how Cinco de Mayo is different from the Fourth of July in the U.S. or Mexican Independence Day
• Map skills: Locate Puebla on a map and trace the route of the French invasion
• Write about the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo celebrations and why honoring cultural traditions matters

These are all simple additions that don’t require much prep—but deepen your child’s understanding of national pride and the power of standing up for your country and culture.

Let’s Make Learning Meaningful—One Page at a Time

Homeschooling doesn’t have to mean big, elaborate lessons every time. Sometimes the best learning moments happen when you combine just enough structure with a spark of curiosity.

This Cinco de Mayo reading comprehension worksheet gives you a thoughtful, ready-to-go way to explore Mexican history, culture, and values with your child—while still working on fluency, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Whether you’re building a themed unit or simply need a no-prep activity for the week, this worksheet is a sweet little win for your homeschool.

You’re doing great, mama. And your kids are learning more than you know. ☕💛.

Want to know more about the benefits of cloze reading and how to create your own? Read my blog post “Cloze Reading: 3 Reasons It will Boost Your Kid’s Reading Comprehension” HERE.