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All grades  Project 4 weeks

Altar Fiesta: Celebrate & Create!

Victoria
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.9
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of the Day of the Dead, fostering a deep understanding of cultural traditions and personal connections. Through creating altars, students will express their emotions and memories, learning to honor loved ones in meaningful ways. This project aims to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning while building a sense of identity and community belonging.

Learning goals

Students will explore the cultural significance of the Day of the Dead by actively engaging with community partners, such as a local bakery and community elders, to learn traditional practices and stories. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by collaboratively designing and constructing a Day of the Dead altar, incorporating personal and cultural elements. Through reflection journals, students will deepen their understanding of self-directed learning and academic mindset, expressing their emotions and insights gained throughout the project. Additionally, students will enhance their communication skills by presenting their altars and sharing their narratives during community exhibitions.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.7 - Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment (e.g., Auden's "Musée des Beaux Arts" and Breughel's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.9 - Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5 - Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide additional detail.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a Day of the Dead altar, integrating artistic elements and personal mementos to honor loved ones. They will produce reflection journals, capturing their learning journey and emotional responses through drawings and writings. Additionally, students will create a short multimedia presentation, narrating the altar-making process and insights gained from community interactions. These products will be showcased during a school-wide event, inviting families and the community to engage with the students' work and experiences.

Launch

Kick off the project with a vibrant 'Memory Sharing Picnic,' where students and their families gather to share stories and mementos of loved ones. This event will set the stage for the altar projects by fostering a sense of community and connection. Students will be encouraged to discuss how these memories can be creatively integrated into their altar designs, sparking inspiration and excitement for the weeks ahead.

Exhibition

Host a vibrant 'Day of the Dead Family Festival' where students proudly present their altars, sharing heartfelt stories learned from community elders. Invite families to join in the celebration with traditional music and dance, creating an inclusive and lively atmosphere. Additionally, create a 'Memory Lane Gallery' where students display their altars alongside reflection journals, guiding parents and community members through their personal narratives and learning journeys.