During the end of October each year, Día de los Muertos the ancient Mexican traditions honors ancestors and loved ones who have passed. The preparation of sugar skulls, delicious food, flowers, art, and shrines are made for the festivities of singing, dancing, and reminiscing. The book Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World) is wonderful to read to children in order to learn more about the celebration.
After reading the story to extend the literacy experience you can provide a hands on invitation to decorate Calaveras just like the traditions in the books. These amazing wooden Calaveras are from the Dollar Tree and are perfect to invite children to decorate with loose parts loose parts (translucent mosaic craft shapes, transparent pattern blocks, transparent rainbow pebbles).
When a child uses loose parts to create drawn out images, shapes, or designs invitations, it gives opportunities to work on spatial awareness, exposes them to different forms of art, paying attention to detail, and enhancing their language skills as they communicate what they see or what they are doing. As they manipulate the loose parts to fit inside, outside, or around the designs they are enhancing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and shape recognition.
