El Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is not a holiday that is normally celebrated in Puerto Rico, but since we have been reading the book A Kid’s Guide to Latino History
As we explored calaveras and El Día de Los Muertos, we found this great resource from the Smithsonian Latino Center, with Día de Los Muertos lesson plans that even included a calavera art activity! Using their calavera template, my kids and I created a fun Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) calavera craft, using simple art and craft supplies found at our local Walmart. Ready to see how you too can make this simple calavera craft with your kids in honor of El Día de Los Muertos?
Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Calavera Craft for Kids
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper or card stock in bright colors – We used Strathmore Bright Construction Paper, $4.97 in-store [aff]
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Glue
- Markers
- Washi tape (optional) – Try Duck brand washi tape, such as this floral design we used [aff]
- Glitter glue (optional) – We used a pack of neon glitter glue tubes, $2.47 in-store [aff]
How to Make a Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Calavera Craft with Kids
Print out the Smithsonian Latino Center’s calavera template and cut out the skull shapes. Trace the shapes onto your card stock or construction paper to form the shape of a calavera. (You could also freehand draw your own calavera, if you wish.)
Once the calavera outline is complete, let your kids decorate and embellish their calavera to their liking. My kids used a combination of glitter glue, Sharpie neon markers, washi tape, and card stock to color and decorate their Día de Los Muertos calavera craft. As they decorated, we talked a little about what Día de Los Muertos means and how calaveras and sugar skulls add to the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. I explained that even though I did not grow up celebrating El Día de Los Muertos in Puerto Rico, it’s always nice to learn about other cultures’ traditions.
If you want to learn more about and honor El Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with your children, Walmart has a variety of Day of the Dead children’s books you can purchase in-store or online. Plus, check out these fun activities and recipes to help you celebrate Día de Los Muertos!
- DIY Felt Sugar Skull for Day of the Dead
- Día de Los Muertos Activities and Printables for Kids
- Potato Peanut Butter Calavera Candy
- Pan de Muerto Recipe
Does your family celebrate El Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)? Share your traditions with us!
All photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™
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