Core Skills Analysis
Language Arts
Jen watched the Disney movie Coco and listened carefully to the dialogue, which introduced her to new Spanish words and idiomatic expressions. She identified the main characters, the setting of the town of Santa Cruz, and the central conflict of Miguel’s dream to become a musician. By retelling key plot points, Jen practiced sequencing events and summarizing the story in her own words. She also reflected on how the characters’ choices revealed themes of family, memory, and perseverance.
Social Studies
Jen watched Coco and learned about the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, observing how families honor ancestors with altars, marigold petals, and photographs. She recognized cultural symbols such as calaveras (sugar skulls) and papel picado, gaining insight into traditions that celebrate life and death. By comparing the movie’s depiction to her own experiences, Jen began to understand how customs vary across societies. She also noted the importance of intergenerational storytelling in preserving heritage.
Music
Jen watched Coco and heard traditional Mexican music, including mariachi and folk songs, which highlighted rhythm, melody, and instrument timbre. She noticed how the song "Remember Me" was used as a musical motif to connect characters across generations. By recognizing the guitar, violin, and trumpet, Jen identified different instruments and their roles in creating mood. This exposure helped her develop an ear for musical patterns and cultural styles.
Visual Arts
Jen watched Coco and observed the film’s vibrant color palette, especially the bright oranges, blues, and pinks that represent the Land of the Dead. She appreciated the artistic style of the animated scenery, which blended realistic textures with fantastical designs. By noting how color and lighting changed to convey emotion, Jen learned how visual elements support storytelling. She also recognized recurring motifs such as marigold petals and papel picado, linking visual art to cultural meaning.
Tips
To deepen Jen’s learning, families can create a personal Día de los Muertos altar with photos and favorite foods, encouraging her to research family history and share stories. A writing extension could have Jen compose a diary entry from Miguel’s point of view, focusing on his hopes and the significance of music in his life. Incorporating a hands‑on music activity, such as learning a simple guitar chord for "Remember Me," will reinforce musical concepts and cultural appreciation. Finally, an art project that designs papel picado banners can connect visual‑art techniques with the traditions seen in the movie.
Book Recommendations
- Coco (Official Disney Pixar Storybook) by Katherine H. Schlegel: A picture‑book retelling of the movie that highlights the story’s themes, characters, and Mexican traditions, perfect for young readers.
- Dia de Los Muertos: A Mexican Celebration of Life by Nick Snell: An illustrated nonfiction book that explains the history, symbols, and customs of the Day of the Dead in a child‑friendly way.
- The Magic Tree House #6: Vacation Under the Volcano by Mary Pope Osborne: A time‑travel adventure that introduces readers to Mexican culture and geography, encouraging further exploration of the country’s heritage.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2 – Identify main characters, setting, and major events in a story.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3 – Describe how characters respond to challenges and how their actions shape the plot.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions about the movie’s cultural themes.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.7 – Use multimedia (film) to locate and explain information about cultural traditions.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.3 – Write narratives that develop real or imagined experiences with clear event sequences.
- National Core Arts Standards (Music) – MU:Re7.1.3a: Demonstrate an understanding of music elements by identifying a recurring motif.
- National Core Arts Standards (Visual Arts) – VA:Cr1.1.3a: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas using cultural symbols and color.
Try This Next
- Vocabulary worksheet with key Spanish words and idioms from the film.
- Create a family‑heritage collage or altar using photos, papel picado, and marigold cut‑outs.
- Write an alternate ending to the story, focusing on how Miguel could share his music with his great‑grandfather.
- Simple guitar or ukulele practice sheet for the song "Remember Me".