Students learn about two Mexican cultural expressions: the celebration of the Day of the Dead and the artist Frida Kahlo. They explore the cultural aspects of both. Then they research and share other forms of Mexican cultural expression with the group.
Students read an introduction to the experience, which explains that they will explore Mexican cultural expressions such as the Day of the Dead and the art of Frida Kahlo. They examine a photo of a traditional ceremony on Cozumel Island and respond to a word cloud prompt by sharing words or short phrases that come to mind when they look at the image. After learning that the photo shows a Day of the Dead celebration, students complete a two-column table to record what they already know and what they would like to know about the Day of the Dead.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the focus of the experience and review the objectives. Guide students in observing the ceremony photo and facilitate sharing of word cloud responses. Lead a discussion of students’ prior knowledge about the Day of the Dead and help them generate questions for further exploration, emphasizing that celebrations are important forms of cultural expression and can reveal what a group values.
Students read Dia de los Muertos and explore related images to learn key facts about the Day of the Dead. As they work, they complete a graphic organizer describing what the celebration is, when it occurs, and where it is celebrated. They then post to a class wall explaining why the dead are celebrated and how they are honored during this holiday.
Teacher MovesPrompt students to use the article and images to fill in the organizer accurately. Review and discuss student posts about why and how the dead are celebrated, using a sample response and vocabulary (Dia de los Muertos, calacas, calaveras) to clarify ideas. Create space for students to share reactions, especially if the practices are unfamiliar, and connect the Day of the Dead to broader ways cultures honor ancestors. When ready, organize students into small groups for the next scene.
Students are introduced to Frida Kahlo as an important Mexican cultural figure and individually read Frida Kahlo Biography to learn about her life and work. They answer a poll question about a significant event that affected her life. In small groups, students examine one assigned self-portrait—either Self-portrait with Monkey or Self-portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States—including any rollover information. They discuss what seems most important in the painting and then post to a small-group wall explaining how Kahlo reveals aspects of both her life and her culture in her artwork.
Teacher MovesEnsure students understand Kahlo’s background and clarify the poll response as needed. Assign each small group one of the two self-portraits and direct them to explore the details and contextual information. Circulate to prompt deeper discussion about symbols, setting, and imagery that reflect Kahlo’s personal experiences and Mexican culture. Highlight observations such as traditional dress, native plants and animals, temples, Aztec symbols, and contrasts between Mexican and American cultural icons, and share strong examples with the whole class.
Students read a brief explanation that celebrations like the Day of the Dead and visual arts like Kahlo’s paintings are just two of many cultural expressions. Individually, they research one aspect of Mexican culture that interests them—such as food, dance, music, clothing or jewelry, literature, or religion—and create a “postcard” post to the class wall with a one-paragraph description and, if possible, an image or short video link. They then review classmates’ postcards and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesReinforce the idea that culture is expressed in many forms and encourage students to choose diverse topics for their postcards. Support students in conducting brief, focused research and in clearly describing their chosen cultural feature. Invite students with Mexican backgrounds to draw on family experiences and extend their knowledge through research. Monitor the wall to ensure respectful, substantive comments and to highlight examples that show rich or unique aspects of Mexican culture.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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