By Sara Sobkoviak and Jenne Wood-Taylor
Last week was a bustle of activity in the Spanish classroom, where all students grades 3 through 11, helped to create pieces for a large, group ofrenda installation honoring D’a de los Muertos .Each Spanish class spent time learning about the cultural significance and origins of this important Latin American holiday. And during the Halloween parade and festivities on October 30, the school community enjoyed the display while touring the classroom celebrations. All students were invited to add personal items to the ofrenda to help celebrate and remember the lives of dear loved ones who have passed. Some students were even inspired to build their own ofrendas at home!
Each class contributed to the celebration. Third graders were given the important task of baking the traditional Pan de Muerto . The bread turned out delicious and the students enjoyed learning how to read a recipe in Spanish. The fourth grade class decorated special Calaveras de Az’car with feathers, sequins and icing. Fifth graders worked diligently on the Papel Picado and paper marigolds to decorate the altar. The students learned that much skill is need to create the intricate designs in tissue paper. Middle school students created the mosaic centerpiece, drawing, cutting and pasting small peices of paper to create a beautiful art piece. The high school students also decorated Calaveras de Azucar , and discussed their Spanish reading of D’a de los Muertos . All the classes were able to also decorate Calaveras de Azucar thanks to the last-minute help of parents who donated supplies.
We created the classroom ofrenda to create experiential learning around a heartfelt tradition in many Spanish-speaking communities. Preparing traditional foods, drinks and art to adorn the altar and practicing the celebratory nature of honoring loved ones who have passed, helps students to better understand and cultivate respect for D’a de los Muertos , and we hope it that it helped to inspire our their curiosity about Spanish-speaking cultures. Article and photos by Jenne Wood-Taylor and Sara Sobkoviak
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Nestled among the redwoods on 355 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.