Teaching Day of the Dead: Moving Beyond the “Cute” Projects

Fifteen years ago, when I first introduced Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) to my students, it was largely unknown to many people, even here in Texas, where we have a significant Mexican population. Back then, parents and students alike were unfamiliar with its history and cultural significance. But in 2017, Coco was released, sparking a cultural shift and helping people, especially young audiences, to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the holiday. Since then, I’ve seen a greater enthusiasm for learning about it, with students more curious and engaged. Despite this, every year, there are still one or two parents who ask for an alternative assignment because they don’t feel comfortable with their children learning about it.

Over the years, I’ve developed several projects to bring Day of the Dead to life in my classroom, and my favorites continue to be the newsletter, infomercial, and journal assignments. These projects might not have the charm of crafting a miniature altar in a shoebox, but they allow students to showcase their creativity and depth of learning in impactful ways. Each one involves critical thinking and research, skills that are crucial for students to understand not only the customs but the "why" behind them. For instance:

1. Newsletter Project – Students create a mock newsletter with articles, illustrations, and “interviews” about Day of the Dead. They research events from a specific city in Mexico and describe symbols, traditions, and history, which gives them a broader cultural perspective.

2. Infomercial Assignment – In this activity, students make a short video or presentation, convincing an audience to “celebrate” or “visit” Day of the Dead events. They gain speaking and presentation skills while thinking critically about the most compelling ways to represent the holiday.

3. Journal Reflection – Students write a series of journal entries that might include “a day in the life” of someone preparing for the celebration or reflections on various aspects of Day of the Dead. They explore the holiday’s personal meaning, which helps them connect with its themes in a more meaningful way.

   
   

I encourage you to try assignments like these in your classroom and consider moving beyond the “cute” approach. There’s something truly rewarding in seeing students use creativity to dig deeper, analyze, and ultimately respect a tradition that is both culturally rich and historically significant. With assignments that focus on critical thinking and research, we can help our students gain a genuine understanding and appreciation of Día de los Muertos, one that goes beyond the decorative and into the heart of cultural learning.

Please click the link posted below to explore the jurnal project:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Day-of-the-Dead-Journal-Project-DDLM-Dia-De-Los-Muertos-Proyecto-12431053