Dia de Los Muertos Celebration

Vicky Jaime

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Dia de Los Muertos Celebration

Learn about Dia de Los Muertos

This lesson introduces K-3 students to Dia de Los Muertos, a vibrant Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones. Through a collaborative and project-based activity, students will create a simple altar using craft materials, fostering creativity and cultural understanding. This lesson helps students appreciate cultural diversity and develop teamwork skills.

Audience

K-3 Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Project-Based Learning, Blended Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Construction paper, Markers, Glue sticks, Scissors, Dia de Los Muertos Handout, Colored tissue paper, and Sugar skull mask templates

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce Dia de Los Muertos, explaining its significance as a celebration of life and remembrance.
Show images of traditional altars and decorations to spark interest.

Step 2

Activity Setup

5 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Distribute materials: construction paper, markers, glue sticks, and scissors.
Hand out the 'Dia de Los Muertos' reading material for reference.

Step 3

Project Activity

10 mins

Instruct each group to create a simple altar using the materials provided.
Encourage students to include elements like paper flowers, candles, and pictures (drawn) of loved ones or pets.
Facilitate collaboration by guiding students to share ideas and work together.

Step 4

Craft Activity

10 mins

Provide students with colored tissue paper to create paper marigolds or sugar skull mask templates to decorate.
Demonstrate how to fold and cut the tissue paper to make marigolds or how to color and embellish the masks.
Allow students to express their creativity and personalize their crafts.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Have each group present their altar and crafts to the class, explaining the elements they included.
Conclude with a brief discussion on what they learned about Dia de Los Muertos and its cultural significance.

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Reading

Dia de Los Muertos Handout

This handout provides a detailed overview of Dia de Los Muertos, including its history, traditions, and cultural significance. It serves as a reference for students during the activity.

Dia de Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Families create altars, or 'ofrendas,' decorated with photos, flowers, and favorite foods of the deceased. The holiday is a joyful celebration of life and death, filled with music, dance, and colorful decorations.

Origins and Significance

The origins of Dia de Los Muertos trace back to the indigenous peoples of Mexico, such as the Aztecs, who had rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors. The holiday is a blend of indigenous traditions and Catholic influences, introduced by Spanish colonizers. It is a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed, rather than mourn their loss.

Regional Celebrations

In different regions of Mexico, Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated with unique customs. In Oaxaca, for example, there are parades and sand tapestries, while in Michoacán, the Purepecha people hold night-long vigils in cemeteries. Each region adds its own flavor to the celebration, reflecting the diversity of Mexican culture.

Symbols and Traditions

Common symbols of Dia de Los Muertos include marigolds, which are believed to guide spirits to their altars, and sugar skulls, which represent the sweetness of life. Traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) are also prepared and shared among family and friends.

Worksheet

Sugar Skull Mask Template

This template provides a basic outline of a sugar skull mask for students to decorate. It can be printed and used as a guide for students to create their own colorful and personalized masks.

[Front of Mask] Sugar Skull Outline

[Back of Mask] Instructions: Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to decorate your sugar skull. Add patterns, colors, and designs to make it unique!