Objective
By the end of this lesson, the first grade student will be able to understand and explain the significance of The Day of the Dead.
Materials and Prep
- A computer or tablet with internet access
- A book about The Day of the Dead (e.g., "The Day of the Dead" by Bob Barner)
- Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, construction paper, scissors, glue)
- Printed coloring sheets related to The Day of the Dead
Activities
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Watch a Video
Start the lesson by watching a short video about The Day of the Dead. You can find age-appropriate videos on educational websites or streaming platforms. After watching the video, ask the student to share one thing they learned from it.
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Read a Book
Read the book "The Day of the Dead" by Bob Barner together. As you read, encourage the student to ask questions and make connections to the video they watched earlier. Discuss the main characters, the setting, and the traditions associated with The Day of the Dead.
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Create Artwork
Provide the student with coloring sheets related to The Day of the Dead. They can use colored pencils, markers, or any other art supplies to color and decorate the sheets. Encourage them to be creative and explain the elements they include in their artwork.
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Share and Discuss
Once the student has completed their artwork, have them share it with you. Ask them to explain the different elements they included and why they chose them. Discuss the importance of creativity and self-expression in celebrating The Day of the Dead.
First Grade Talking Points
- "The Day of the Dead is a special holiday celebrated in Mexico and other countries."
- "People celebrate The Day of the Dead to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away."
- "During The Day of the Dead, families create altars with pictures, flowers, and favorite foods of their loved ones."
- "People also visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones."
- "The Day of the Dead is a joyful celebration where families gather, tell stories, and remember their ancestors."