Education Department
Lesson Plan
Title
Subject Area(s)
Grade Level
Summary of the Lesson
*Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth)
*Conversation Theory (Pask)
Standards: (as applicable)
International Standards
National Standards
Professional Organization Standards
PA Academic Standards
PA Core Standards
Essential Questions
Objectives
Erika Maxson
ECUI 531
29 October 2018
El Día de los Muertos
Spanish 2, 3, AP, & Beginner Conversation
9-12
After thinking about our own traditions for
passed loved ones in the US and learning
what we already know about the day of the
dead, students will view a short animation on
“Día de los Muertos” to explore how the
tradition is carried out in Mexico. This will
lead to a discussion about the Day of the Dead
and its specific traditions (through another
short video and elaboration on PowerPoint
slides.) As a review, we will complete the
Kahoot once again. I will end class by having
them think about what they would include in a
specific ofrenda.
World Readiness Standards (5Cs)
-Communication
-Cultures
-Comparisons
-Connections
-Communities
How are deceased loved ones celebrated in
Mexico vs the US?
The students of Sra. Poehailos’s Spanish
classes can:
-explore how passed loved ones are honored
in their own country with 100% certainty after
a class discussion.
-explore how passed loved ones are honored
in Mexico and Latin America with 100%
certainty after a class discussion and videos.
-recall important facts about Día de los
Muertos with at least 80% certainty after a
class lecture and informational videos.
-compare the traditions with 100% certainty
after the lesson.
 -create an ofrenda for a deceased loved one
with certainty after learning characteristics of
day of the dead.

Vocabulary: El Día de los Muertos- Day of the Dead

Ofrenda- Offering/Altar
Queridos fallecidos- Passed Loved Ones
Cempacúchil- Marigold
Calaveras-Skills
Calacas-Skeleton

Estimated Time 30 minutes

Materials Required -Día de los Muertos PPT
-Videos (in PPT)
-Computers (for Kahoot)
-Day of the Dead Video Sheet

Procedure
Each professor may choose to align this
section to his/her content areas.
This section will include anticipated areas of
differentiated instruction.
BEFORE:
 Teacher will introduce herself.
 Teacher will introduce the essential
question and lesson objectives.
 Teacher will begin the lesson by
asking how we honor passed loved
ones in the US.

DURING:
 Students will participate in a class
discussion about how they honor
deceased relatives in their families.
 Students will then complete a Kahoot
survey to activate prior knowledge and
show me what they already know
about the topic (Day of the Dead).
 Students will then watch a short
animated film (3 min) about a girl
going to the afterworld while
celebrating her mom on the Day of the
Dead.
 Based on this film which has no
words, students will tell me how they
think deceased loved ones are
celebrated in Mexico by explaining
aspects of the Day of the Dead
Celebration.
  Students will then watch another short
video (2 minutes) (with English
subtitles) including important facts
about the history and traditions of the
Day of the Dead. They will have a
video viewing guide to go along with
this video.
 Teacher will elaborate on the most
important points and new vocabulary
through the continued PPT
presentation.

AFTER:
 Students will review the material by
completing the Kahoot once again.
 For homework, students will think
about what materials and offerings
they would bring for a loved one
during the celebration of the Day of
the Dead.

Formative Assessment -Contribution to class discussion.

-Kahoot Introduction.
Student Resources -Chromebooks.

Accommodations As per IEP document.

Assessment -Kahoot Review.
Nombre_____________________________________ Fecha_______________Clase_________

What is the Day of the Dead? Video Viewing Guide

Directions: Circle the correct answer from the choices provided.

1. The day of the dead is celebrated on (November 1st and 2nd, October 31st).

2. The tradition originated in (Spain, United States, Mexico, Brazil).

3. The tradition is celebrated (only in Mexico, throughout Latin America and the US).

4. The Mexican custom combines an indigenous (Mayan, Aztec) ritual with (Catholicism,
Buddhism).

5. The Day of the Dead was brought to the region by (George Washington, Spanish
Conquistadors).

6. Day of the Dead celebrates the (deaths, lives) of the deceased.

7. Placing food, drinks, and items that the deceased person enjoyed on their grave is called a(n)
(calavera, ofrenda).

8. Caracas and (comidas, calaveras) are symbols of the Day of the Dead.

9. Skulls and Skeletons are used in the form of (costumes, candies).

10. The Skeletons are often portrayed as (scary, performers).

11. During the (day, night) it is thought that the loved ones leave their graves to celebrate with
family and friends.