10th-11th Grade, Spanish II
November 1, 2004
Unit Title: Gente Indígena de México – Indigenous Peoples of Mexico
Lesson Topic: el Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead
Standard 12.2.1.B Recognize common vocabulary terms through reading and listening.
Standard 12.3.2.A Describe the products and customs of the target culture.
Standard 12.3.2.C Explain similarities and differences of daily activities between cultures.
Interdisciplinary Connections: History, World Cultures, Art, Literature
Objective: Given a presentation and discussion on el Día de los Muertos, students will be able to:
1. Describe at least 3 traditions associated with el Día de los Muertos.
2. Compare and contrast Mexican and American perceptions of death.
3. Design and create an ofrenda or calavera.
Assessment will occur by means of a 3-2-1 exit card and the completion of an ofrenda or calavera, which will be graded by a checklist.
Method: Presentation, Discussion, Learning Activities, Pair Work
Resources: Teacher Materials: PowerPoint presentation,
Student Materials: poem handout, graphic organizer handout, guided notes
Outside Materials: computer, projection screen
Introduction: (3-5 minutes)
§ Today is November 1, so what? What is important about today?
§ Prior Knowledge: What is Day of the Dead? Who celebrates it?
§ Relevance to learning: Learning about other cultures increases appreciation and acceptance of diversity and helps to dispel myths about cultural traditions.
§ Given a presentation and discussion on el Día de los Muertos, students will be able to:
1. Describe at least 3 traditions associated with el Día de los Muertos.
2. Compare and contrast Mexican and American perceptions of death.
3. Design and create an ofrenda or calavera.
Content: (8-10 minutes)
§ Origin of el Día de los Muertos
§ Mexican vs. American perceptions of death
§ Celebratory traditions associated with the holiday
Differentiated Learning Experiences: (10-15 minutes)
§ Students will read a poem by Nezahualcóyotl and, with a partner, analyze the perception of death presented. Students will offer their ideas to the class.
§ Students will view a work of art by José Guadalupe Posada, analyze his presentation of death, and share their ideas with the class.
§ Through class discussion, students will complete a graphic organizer comparing/contrasting Mexican and American perceptions of death.
Summary: (3-5 minutes)
§ Using their new knowledge, students will either provide a contrast or comparison between Halloween and el Día de los Muertos.
§ Students will complete a 3-2-1 exit card: 3 traditions associated with the holiday, 2 perceptions of death, and 1 object in an ofrenda.
Assessment:
§ Assessment will occur by means of a 3-2-1 exit card and the completion of an ofrenda or calavera, which will be graded by a checklist.
Reflection: