This past week, 8th graders completed a short, jig saw research project on "Los Dias De Los Muertos" or most commonly known as "The Day of the Dead". The purpose of this project was for students to understand that in other parts of the world, various cultures view the "circle of life" differently.
Students were broken up into research groups and given a topic on the Day of the Dead to research further in depth. Students presented their research on google slides to their classes.
Groups were divided as follows:
1. History and Background Information
2. Traditions and Activities
3. Ofrendas/Alters
4. Arts, Crafts & Decorations
5. Food & Drink
6. How Other Countries Honor the Deceased.
Groups were given questions to guide their research online. Students were assessed on credible sources, accuracy and organization of information and speaking and listening skills. Below are links to access PDF files of 8th grade presentations.
Students were broken up into research groups and given a topic on the Day of the Dead to research further in depth. Students presented their research on google slides to their classes.
Groups were divided as follows:
1. History and Background Information
2. Traditions and Activities
3. Ofrendas/Alters
4. Arts, Crafts & Decorations
5. Food & Drink
6. How Other Countries Honor the Deceased.
Groups were given questions to guide their research online. Students were assessed on credible sources, accuracy and organization of information and speaking and listening skills. Below are links to access PDF files of 8th grade presentations.
8rhistoryandmeaning.pdf |
8hhistoryandmeaning.pdf |
8rtraditionsandactivities.pdf |
8htraditionsandactivities.pdf |
8rofrendas.pdf |
8hofrendas.pdf |
8hartsandcrafts.pdf |
8rartsandcrafts.pdf |
8hfoodanddrink.pdf |
dodhonorcountries.pdf |
8rhonorthedead.pdf |
After presentations, we discussed what we learned about the Day of The Dead. Students took in so much information... It was great to see active participation in class discussions! We also talked about how the skull has a different meaning on Halloween in the U.S than it does for the Day of The Dead in Mexico. We concluded (together) that it represents the "circle of life" as a celebration and that is why the skull is so colorful. Students were then able to design and create their own sugar skull symbol during our own "celebration". I did a mini "drawing a skull tutorial" crudely. I have a deep appreciation for art... however, after the demonstration the kids teased that I'm horrible at drawing. Which I am! Haha ;) Anyways, check out the works of art in the gallery below!
We even watched "The Book Of Life" and compared our research to this fictional story. I highly recommend this film.. my 8th graders loved it!!
This was the first time I taught a "Day of The Dead" unit and it won't be the last! It was wonderful seeing my students so engaged and intrigued by this Hispanic holiday. Opening my students' eyes to the world around them is something I'm very passionate about. Overall, it was a fun, but tiring week! :) (Got to love Halloween - ha)
Until Next Time,
Ritchie
Until Next Time,
Ritchie