¡Calaveras, esqueletos y cempasúchils , oh my!
On November 2nd, Día de muertos is celebrated across several Latin American countries and in the United States. It is a celebration to honor family and friends that have passed. During this time you will see several items that represent this celebration. Adding Día de muertos to your curriculum is key in acknowledging and representing students cultures. For those students that are not familiar with Día de muertos, this a great opportunity to add to their funds of knowledge and tap into the 3rd pillar in Dual Language; Sociocultural Competence.
Families set up an altar (altares) to honor and welcome their deceased family into their homes. The offerings (ofrenda) are arranged on top of the altar. Included in the "ofrenda" can be a picture of the deceased, candles, skulls, flowers, food, skeletons, toys and other personal items he/she enjoyed while alive.
Cempasúchil flowers cover the "altares" as part of the decor. It is an orange flower that represents love, the sun and the short duration of life. It is said that the aroma and strong scent of the Cempasúchil guides the spirits of the dead home.
"Pan de muerto" is a round bread that is decorated with bone designs and then placed on the altar.
Calacas, or handmade skeletons that are fun and friendly rather than scary also decorate the altars. They represent the hobbies and occupations of the deceased.
Sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) are also used to decorate the altares during Day of the Dead. Sugar and salt are both used to portray the bitter and sweet aspects of life shared with those who have passed away.
Some experiences you can create with your students on Día de muertos:
Create an altar in your classroom or school. Before you create the altar, put your students in groups and have them each learn about the different items used in an altar. After they have learned about it through books and the internet, have them create an anchor chart presenting their item to the class. Each group will teach the rest of the class about their object and its significance to Day of the Dead. *If you have morning announcements, students can also record themselves teaching the rest of the school about their project on Day of the Dead. You may also have a note sent home to the rest of the school for other students to participate and add to the altar.
Have students help create the Cempasúchil flowers out of tissue paper to decorate the altar or classroom.
Make sugar skulls with your students. You can connect the process of making sugar skulls to writing a procedural text.
Have students who celebrate it interview family members to learn more about Day of the Dead.
Have students act as reporters for a news station conducting a special on Day of the Dead. Students will record themselves and play it on the morning announcements channel for the campus to view.
Read alouds recommended for Día de muertos
Have fun engaging all students into a peek of others celebrations and traditions. Tag us on social media with the finished product. We absolutely love highlighting you and your students work. ¡Que tengan un octubre maravilloso!
@esmer_esper
@cleyva2
@mortizsilva12
Have a outstanding October!
Michelle Silva,
Espericueta Bilingual Education Consultancy, LLC
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