Sugar Skulls
Grades: 6th - 8th
Subjects: Spanish, Culture, History, Art
Key Outcomes:
PRIDE Prep students do a yearly cultural exploration unit to learn about the vibrant traditions and history surrounding the Mexican holiday of Día de Muertos! In this project, students studied the significance of how Día de Muertos came to be, and how it continues to impact Latin culture today. From language, to food, symbolism in art and ceremony, traditions and the elements that matter within them. Then they expressed those learnings through a particularly sweet project modality: sugar skulls!
Collectively, our Spanish Language students studied the significance, stories, and symbolism around sugar skulls and learned how to make them by hand. Students helped fill small molds with a sugar paste mixture, and then decorated each one with traditional motifs and unique designs. In this process, they also learn about the significance of ofrendas in latin culture, and create an ofrenda to showcase their learnings and work.
The end result is a colorful and immersive experience that all students and staff got to enjoy both on display in the middle school and during exhibitions.
