Calaveras for Day of the Dead

I have been trying to get a lesson done in each of the subject areas during this practicum. Halloween provided a great opportunity to teach an art class. Instead of your basic construction paper pumpkin, vampire, or q-tip skeleton I decided to branch out and do some Day of the Dead art with the kids.

Day of the Dead is celebrated in many places in Latin and South America. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico where it is a national holiday. Day of the Dead  is a remembrance of those loved ones who have passed on. Unlike Halloween, Day of the Dead is a happy joyous celebration. People flock to cemetaries with picnics and construct altars for their loved ones. The altars hold  favorite foods, and beverages for the departed.

Skull portrait from creativeartlessons.com

Calaveras (skulls) are a significant symbol of the Day of the Dead. They are often depicted in every day life situations and are sometimes funny and satirical. Sugar skulls are a traditional treat offered to children on this holiday.

I found a great idea at http://www.creativeartlessons.com/2010/11/skull-portraits-el-dia-de-los-muertos.html. I loved this idea for it's beautiful lines and shapes. A great way to teach the elements of drawing. I taught the activity as a directed drawing lesson. Then took it a step further and had the kids decorate their portraits as mexican sugar skulls. I think they turned out really beautiful.



Calaveras portraits done by students.