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Dancing Skeletons

In this lesson, students will explore the ancient roots and popular traditions of the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico. By investigating Aztec mythology and popular imagery associated with the holiday, they will learn about the diverse cultural forces that shaped it. In a collaborative project, students will create an altar or "offering" equipped with self-made skeleton figures (calaveras).

GRADE LEVEL: grade 5 and up

TIME ALLOTMENT: 2-3 periods  

SUBJECT MATTER: Mexico, Day of the Dead, Pre-Columbian myths, popular art, folk traditions, Jose Guadalupe Posada, calaveras

NYS LEARNING STANDARDS

Social Studies: II 1-4, III 1-2
English Language Arts: I-IV
Arts: I, III, IV
See Complete NYS Learning Standards

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will:

• Be able to investigate, analyze, and discuss a work of art by using visual evidence to support assumptions about its content and message.
• Have a basic understanding of Mexican myths, beliefs, and customs surrounding the Day of the Dead.  
• Create a collaborative Day of the Dead altar featuring self-made "calaveras".