Day of the Dead- El Día de los Muertos
One of my favorite subjects to teach about is El Día de los Muertos! I look forward to teaching it every year. In second grade students learn about La Familia, with a cultural focus on México, so it makes sense to teach about the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead. I always kick off the unit in English by reading two books that explain the meaning of the holiday and talk about the traditions. I tell students we will soon talk about the Day of the Dead in Spanish!
I also found a phenomenal video that beautifully illustrates what the holiday is about using only actions and music. I was worried some students might be scared by the skeletons, but they loved it and kept asking to watch it!
I also found a phenomenal video that beautifully illustrates what the holiday is about using only actions and music. I was worried some students might be scared by the skeletons, but they loved it and kept asking to watch it!
Once students understand the traditions, and that the holiday is actually a celebration for the people of Mexico, I begin teaching the vocabulary in Spanish. Each class we focus on a different symbol or item and learn the name en español (el pan de muerto, el cementerio, la ofrenda, etc.) I made up a song that teaches the vocabulary and actions:
My favorite part is our celebration! We have pan de muerto (Bread of the Dead) that I prepare at home and bring in, and color calaveras like sugar skulls in bright colors. Students use markers (a treat!) and write their names on the forehead, as is traditionally done.
