Tags: Class Ideas, Fall, October, Dia de los Muertos, Outdoor, All-Grades, Halloween, marigolds, paper flowers, Hispanic Heritage Month
Time : 50 mins
Author: Vicki DeBusk
Outline
Greeting and Review |
|
Main Lesson |
|
Activity 1 |
|
Activity 2 |
|
Cleanup |
|
Goodbye |
|
External References |
How to make a paper flower for Dia de los Muertos. Click here. |
Worksheets(Please email the worksheet separately) |
It is a good idea to split the class into smaller groups and rotate activities. Half the class can be outside and the other half inside.
ACTIVITY 1: Make Marigolds
Give a brief description of why marigolds are used at altars using the information from Day Of The Dead Facts. Show students the real marigold flower and pull off some of the petals to show that these are used as well as the flower.
- Each student needs an orange napkin, green pipe cleaner and scissors
- Demonstrate how to make their own paper marigold as shown on the video here.
- Help as needed. Students can make as many as time permits.
Encourage students to raise their hand and ask questions if they are unsure about something or need help.

You can make small or large marigolds.
ACTIVITY 2 : Make Agua de Jamaica – hibiscus water/tea.
This is a popular drink for Day of the Dead celebrations. Due to time this should be made ahead but you can have all the ingredients to show the students what goes into the drink.
- Have students take turns and help measure out the ingredients per this recipe found here. And also smell the spices.
- Have students taste Agua de Jamaica (premade one).
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Plant marigold seeds in your garden plot.
- Dia de los muertos coloring sheets
- Water and weed garden plot.
- Paint rocks white and then add Dia de los muertos faces
CLEANUP & GOODBYE
References
How to make a paper flower for Dia de los Muertos.
Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea) Recipe
Trackbacks/Pingbacks