This board game in English is a fun way for students to learn about Day of the Dead. Most of
the spaces ask a question the students must answer. If they're wrong, they cannot move. Certain
spaces where students can either move forward or back adds a bit of fun.
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This crossword has clues in English, but the students must use the Spanish words to answer.
It's perfect for introducing not only the holiday but is a great way to also practice
the language for any level.
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After learning the Spanish vocabulary for words often used in relation to Day of the Dead,
students must locate the given words in the grid running horizontally, vertically, or
diagonally then circle them.
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Don't want to deal with makeup? Have students make a sugar skull mask. Decorate the sugar
skull with your favorite colors and designs. Then cut out the skull and glue a craft stick
to the back to make a mask.
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Making papel picado can be fun. However, if you don't want to deal with the
delicate paper or scissors, try this fun activity. Students can finish the designs
and color it in themselves.
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This video shows step by step how to make marigold flowers out of tissue paper that can be used for decorating your altar.
An easy how-to video that helps making sugar skulls easy by Michael’s. Don’t forget to write the name of the person’s it’s honoring!
A great activity for students to really understand what Day of the Dead is about is by building an altar. Teachers can have a classroom altar where maybe students can honor a deceased relative, pet, celebrity, etc. There is a lot of symbolism, and teachers can have fun deep-diving into the meaning.
Each level has a special significance. The traditional altar has 7 levels, which can vary in order from place to place. However, most people today build altars with 2 to 3 levels. However, depending on how much you want to delve into it, below is an image that gives a more detailed explanation of the meaning of each level.
All ofrendas (altars) have some type of representation of the 4 elements: earth, wind, fire and water. Each has a special significance, such as water, which is left for the spirits to drink after their long journey. Moreover, the altar is decorated with objects that have significanceto the Catholic religion, their Aztec roots as well as possessions and favorite foods of the deceased that are placed to welcome them home.
