Get ready to infuse your classroom with the vibrant colours and rich traditions of Día De Los Muertos! This article will guide you through innovative ways to incorporate this cultural celebration into your lesson plans. From exploring the history behind this Mexican holiday to creating elaborate altar displays, your students are in for a truly immersive learning experience. I celebrate with my own students every year and they really enjoy it. I have tried many things over the years and so I’m here to tell you what works. So let's dive in and discover how you can bring the spirit of Día De Los Muertos into your classroom in unique and engaging ways.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead in English, is a vibrant Mexican holiday celebrated annually on November 1st. This tradition honours and celebrates the lives of family members and friends who have passed away. While deeply rooted in Mexican culture, Día de los Muertos has grown in popularity around the world, offering a meaningful way to extend Halloween festivities in your classroom. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore rich cultural traditions, share stories, and create crafts that reflect the joy of remembering loved ones.
Learn About the History
To truly appreciate Día De Los Muertos, it's essential to delve into the history of this meaningful holiday. By exploring the origins and traditions surrounding this Mexican celebration, students can gain a deeper understanding of its significance and cultural importance. You could do this as a class together or what I like to do is in pairs spend 15 minutes researching it online and then present what you find to the class. This knowledge will provide a context that enriches their experience as they participate in various activities related to Día De Los Muertos in the classroom.
Integrate Día De Los Muertos into Multiple Subjects
Integrate Día De Los Muertos into multiple subjects by incorporating elements of this holiday into various disciplines, creating a holistic approach to learning that engages students across different subjects. For example, in history class, students can research the origins of Día De Los Muertos and the historical events that have shaped this celebration over time. In art class, students can create traditional sugar skulls or papel picado to decorate the classroom. In Spanish class, students can learn about the language and vocabulary associated with Día De Los Muertos. In maths class you can make a colour by number picture of a sugar skull by completing sums, there are many opportunities to include Día De Los Muertos throughout the school day. By integrating this holiday into multiple subjects, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of Día De Los Muertos.
Create an Altar Display
Another way to incorporate Día De Los Muertos in your classroom is by creating an altar display using traditional elements to showcase the students' understanding and appreciation of this important holiday. This hands-on activity allows students to engage with the customs and symbolism of Día De Los Muertos, deepening their connection to the cultural significance of the celebration.
How to create an Altar Display
Materials: Small cardboard boxes, coloured paper, mini candles, photos, and personal mementos.
Instructions: Create a mini version of the traditional Día de los Muertos altar. Decorate the box with bright colours and images of loved ones. Add small symbolic items like candles, mini sugar skulls, or tiny offerings of food.
Make Sugar Skull Crafts
Make Sugar Skull Crafts to further explore the artistic aspects of this holiday and engage students in a creative hands-on activity. This interactive craft project allows students to express their creativity while learning about the intricate designs and symbolism often seen in Día De Los Muertos celebrations. By incorporating this fun activity into the classroom, students can deepen their understanding and appreciation for the cultural traditions surrounding this important holiday. How do I do it with my students? First I give them a blank paper skull to design and try out different colour schemes. When it is complete I set students up into pairs and they get to paint each other with face paint. This is a great way to build friendships, trust and have fun in the classroom.
Make it active by using Reader's Theater
To further engage your students in the rich cultural traditions of Día De Los Muertos, consider incorporating Reader's Theater into your lesson plans. Reader's Theater is a dynamic and interactive way to bring stories and customs to life, allowing students to actively participate in the narrative. By immersing your students in the vibrant tales and historical significance of this holiday through Reader's Theater, you can create a memorable and educational experience that will resonate with them long after the performance. It also helps students improve their reading fluency and pronunciation. Want to know more about Reader's Theater and how it can help your students build their reading confidence? Check out one of my earlier posts - Benefits of using Reader's Theater
Does Reader's Theater sound like something you would like to try this Día De Los Muertos? I've got the perfect one for your class. In this reader's theater 2 friends who are travelling together find themselves in Mexico on Día De Los Muertos. With the help of some locals, they find out all the traditions associated and why people celebrate in this way.
It's also available in Spanish too. So what are you waiting for?
Host a Cultural Celebration
To further bring the spirit of Día De Los Muertos into your classroom, consider hosting a cultural celebration for your students. This can involve a variety of activities such as visiting the altars you have created, creating traditional crafts, or even inviting guest speakers or performers to share their knowledge and talents. By immersing your students in the sights, sounds, and flavours of this vibrant holiday, you can create a truly immersive and memorable experience that will deepen their understanding and appreciation for this important cultural tradition. Allowing students to share this with their friends and family will really add to their experience of Día De Los Muertos. This hands-on approach will not only educate your students about Día De Los Muertos but also foster a sense of community and connection as they come together to celebrate and honour the rich heritage behind this holiday.
Incorporating Día De Los Muertos into your classroom can be a rich and rewarding experience for both you and your students. By delving into the history, integrating it into various subjects, creating vibrant displays, crafting sugar skulls, engaging in Reader's Theater, and hosting cultural celebrations, you are not only teaching about a significant tradition but also fostering a deep appreciation for diversity. So, why not step outside the ordinary lesson plans and embrace the uniqueness of this cultural celebration? As educator Rita Pierson once said, "Every child deserves a champion." Become that champion by broadening their horizons and embracing the beauty of Día De Los Muertos in your classroom.
Don't forget to check out more of our blogs for fun ideas and games for your classroom. Why be the boring teacher when you can be the fun one?!?
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