Elementary teachers: you want your students to have a celebration of Day of the Dead, but you’re not sure how to do it in a way that’s age-appropriate and culturally sensitive.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and rich Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. This holiday, filled with colorful decorations, delicious foods, and heartfelt remembrances, can be a wonderful way to introduce your elementary students to different cultures and foster empathy and understanding. Read on to explore creative and meaningful ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in your elementary classroom.
Your celebration of the Day of the Dead – get informed!
Learn the History and Traditions
Begin by teaching your students about the history and significance of Dia de los Muertos. Share age-appropriate resources, books, videos, or stories that explain the traditions.
Read!
One of the best ways to do this is through a book exploration! Introduce your students to Dia de los Muertos-themed literature by reading books like “The Day of the Dead/El Día de los Muertos” by Bob Barner and “Dia de los Muertos” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and Carles Ballesteros. Reading these books can help children connect emotionally to the holiday and understand its heart.
Get to the heart of the holiday!
As your students will see in their book exploration, one of the central elements of Dia de los Muertos is the ofrenda, an altar honoring departed loved ones.
Create a classroom ofrenda
Encourage your students to create mini ofrendas for someone they’ve lost, a favorite historical figure, or even a beloved pet. Provide art supplies and photos, and let them decorate the ofrendas with marigolds, candles, and offerings like toys, candies, or items representing the person or figure being remembered. Invite students to write about a favorite memory with their loved one – or to write to explain what they’ve included in their ofrenda.
Share Personal Stories
Encourage students to share stories or memories of their own loved ones who have passed away. This can be done through writing, drawing, or oral presentations. Creating a safe and empathetic environment allows students to connect on a personal level with the holiday’s themes of remembrance and celebration.
Your Celebration of the Day of the Dead: heartfelt crafts
Sugar Skull Art
Sugar skulls, or calaveras, are an iconic Dia de los Muertos symbol. Organize an art activity where students can decorate their own sugar skull designs on paper, using colorful markers, sequins, glitter, and other embellishments. Add in a writing component by inviting students to describe their calavera, encouraging their classmates to guess which is theirs using the description alone!
Papel Picado
Teach your students about the art of papel picado, traditional Mexican paper cutting. Provide them with colorful tissue paper and templates, or guide them in creating their own designs. Hang the papel picado in your classroom to create a festive atmosphere!
Celebrating Day of the Dead: beyond the classroom
If possible, consider organizing a field trip to a local Dia de los Muertos celebration or exhibit. This real-world experience can deepen your students’ understanding and appreciation of the holiday. Alternatively, invite a guest speaker from the local Mexican community to share their Dia de los Muertos traditions and experiences with your class.
If a real-world field trip or speaker isn’t feasible, take your elementary students on a virtual exploration of how Day of the Dead is celebrated in other places! Check out these videos – or find others!
- National Geographic: What is Day of the Dead?
- CNN: Experience Day of the Dead in 360
- A Celebration of Life: El Dia de Los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful and meaningful cultural celebration that offers a rich opportunity for elementary teachers to engage their students in creative and educational activities. By incorporating these ideas into your classroom, you can help children not only learn about another culture but also foster empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have passed away. Embrace the spirit of Dia de los Muertos, and let it enrich your classroom with color, creativity, and compassion.
Read more!
Looking for more creative elementary classroom ideas? Check out these other posts from Lit By Learning!
- 10 Beautiful Read-Alouds to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! These illustrated books are perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month – and beyond!
- 4 Bilingual Activities to Start the School Year Strong! Yes, I use these in September, but they’re fun all year round!
