Inter-Lakes Elementary School students learn about the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos

MEREDITH — Art, technology, library, music, and physical education at Inter-Lakes Elementary School came together to create vibrant lessons that opened doors to global traditions, languages, and the joy of celebrating world cultures. 

Grades kindergarten through second technology students took a digital approach to cultural learning. They practiced Spanish vocabulary related to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and used the Google Translate app to convert Spanish words into English. 

Fifth grade art students explored Day of the Dead by designing colorful sugar skulls (calaveras). Grade six students began an interdisciplinary project in library and technology classes to explore the world, analyze sources, evaluate information, and select a country they are curious to learn more about. 

Once their research is complete — students will move into technology class where they will design and build a physical “country box” and then wire and code the box using Scratch, an interactive programming language, to activate graphics and audio that share facts and cultural information about their country. 

This project combines inquiry, literacy, hands-on making, engineering design, computational thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. In grade six music, students explored mariachi music and instruments. 

Mariachi music is a lively, joyful and colorful style of music from Mexico. During the Day of the Dead, mariachi bands help people celebrate, bringing families together to remember loved ones who have passed away. Popular songs performed on this holiday include La Danza de los Viejitos, La Llorona, and Las Tres Pelonas. 

Physical education teachers also added in Day of the Dead themed movement games. To add to the fun, the physical education, technology, art, and music teachers dressed up in Day of the Dead themed-costumes for the annual school Halloween parade. 

For more information, visit interlakes.org.