Celebrating Día de Muertos with kids at home or in the classroom is a great way to honor this cultural tradition while making it fun and educational. Here are 5 ways to celebrate Día de Muertos:
1. Create and Decorate an Ofrenda (Altar)
Encourage kids to set up a small ofrenda at home to remember loved ones. They can add photos, candles, marigolds (cempasúchil), sugar skulls, and favorite items or foods of the deceased. You can download your own Ofrenda Altar to print and decorate at home.
At School, you can set up a classroom altar where students can bring pictures or symbols that represent their ancestors or pets. Have each child share a story or memory associated with their loved one. You can also use the Ofrenda Altar printable to give out as a take home project, bulletin board decorations, or as an activity for kids to do at their desk to give you some time to do other things.
2. Make Sugar Skulls (Calaveras de Azúcar)
One of the best things that you can do is make cookies with your littles. Check out the recipe below and try making your own Sugar Skull Cookies at home. It’s the best activity to do for movie night.
If you are a classroom teacher and possibly have access to an oven at school, try to make these. Something you can try to do is find a local baker that can make blank sugar skull shaped sugar cookies. You can buy store bought icing and candies to decorate your cookies in class. Always make sure to ask parents about any food allergies students may have. Be safe.
Or you can find Sugar Skulls to decorate at the following links:
- Etsy.com
- Mexgrocer.com
- Sugar Skull Sugar Cookies Recipe Below
3. Read Día de los Muertos Books or Watch Films
There are so many books to choose from when it comes to Picture Books about Dia de Muertos. If you go to my Bookshop.org you will get to see a short list of Bilingual Picture Books about Dia de Muertos. Choose a book and a cozy spot in your home to read some fun and colorful Picture Books with your kids. At school, as a teacher, you could plan a week of Picture Books to showcase for students to enjoy during a Read Aloud time.
Two of the most popular Dia de Muertos movies out there are, “Coco” and “The Book of Life”. Two very colorful movies for the whole family to enjoy at home. If you are a classroom teacher, you may want to send a permission slip home in order for you to show either of those movies. Let’s not forget, you also need to get it approved with your Principal/Supervisor.
An activity you could do with your kids after reading a book or watching a movie, could be to decorate an altar and set some ofrendas for your loved ones.
About Día de Muertos:
4. Face Painting (La Catrina)
There was a time when I attended a Halloween Party and decided to paint my face with a calavera design. You can see my face in the picture below.
If you’re at home and want to paint half or full skull faces, mimicking the famous Catrina skulls, you can do so using safe face paint. My recommendation is to look up a few pictures and have your kids choose the one they like and the one you are able to use to the best of your abilities. It’s important for kids to learn about the history of the Catrina and why it has become such a popular symbol.
For school, if you have a special Halloween Event, you can provide a face-painting station to paint kids faces. You can also print out a Blank Sugar Skull Outline and set up a station that children can decorate. Alternatively, use markers and glitter on printed Catrina outlines. Discuss the significance of La Catrina as a symbol of death and the cycle of life.
5. Craft Papel Picado (Decorative Paper Banners)
Make colorful papel picado banners using tissue paper and scissors. Display them around the house as a reminder of the vibrant celebration. Or you could print out the Papel Picado Banners below and you can color, cut, and decorate around your house.
Organize a classroom activity where students can cut out their designs on folded paper. This craft helps reinforce motor skills while celebrating cultural traditions from Mexico. If you want to decorate your classroom or a bulletin board you can also use the Papel Picado Banners below.
Classroom Bonus:
Engage students in the classroom with a Reading Comprehension activity. You can make a week out of Día de Muertos. Plan a read aloud, independent reading activity, coloring pages and then celebrate with a treat and a movie to finish the week strong.
Each of these activities can be adapted for younger children, allowing them to connect with the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos in a creative and engaging way. Celebrating Día de Muertos with kids can be a fun and educational experience that helps them learn about and appreciate cultural traditions.
If you liked this post, make sure to go and check the Hispanic Heritage Month Blog Post. You will not be disappointed.
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