Today we had six short "presentations" using marionetas or hand puppets. We had some fun introducing our characters and developing some basic conversations. I was quite impressed at how hard everybody tried and how well it all went.
Next week we are going to change gears and study a little bit of Hispanic Culture by making some traditional sugar skulls for our "celebration" of the Mexican Día de los muertos (Day of the Dead).
Roughly coinciding with All Saints day, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of the memories of those departed. The celebrations consist, among other things, of elaborate costumes, painted faces, and masks, flower arrangements, foods and sweets, and all kinds of colorful decorations.
Below you will find a couple of videos that your child/ren can watch in preparation for class (we already watched the first one, but I really think they will enjoy watching it again). See you next Tuesday!
VIDEO: Day of the Dead (animation)
VIDEO: Gobierno de México - Día de los muertos
Intermediate Spanish:
Hi, older students! In addition to the videos above, please watch the two videos below that explain in further detail the historical background of this celebration and emphasizes the importance of remembering those who are no longer among us (hence the characters in the songs carrying pictures or the pictures in many of the "altars"). Yes, in the first video they made a mistake by placing Mexico City in the American Southwest, but otherwise it offers very good information.
¡Gracias y hasta el martes próximo!
VIDEO: National Hispanic Cultural Center - Día de los muertos
VIDEO: El-Haru Kuroi - Día de los muertos
