Dear Reader,
Wishing you a spooky and safe Halloween. And a fun Day of the Dead, if you celebrate. Last year I enjoyed strolling through Old Town San Diego’s Day of the Dead event. Of course, here in the Southwest, we are much more likely to have access to such celebrations than in other parts of the US (and the world!) Let me know if you live near a Day of the Dead celebration, and if you’ve ever joined in.
See ya on the Net,
Barbara J. Feldman
“Surfing the Net with Kids”
https://www.surfnetkids.com
Day of the Dead
https://www.surfnetkids.com/resources/day-of-the-dead/
Day of the Dead Printable(** for Premium Members only)
https://www.surfnetkids.com/printables/files/printables-club/day-of-the-dead.pdf
Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated on two days, starting November 1. The focus of the joyous holiday is a celebration of the lives of dead family and friends. It is a melding of the Catholic holidays of All Saint’s Day (November 1), All Souls Day (November 2) and indigenous festivals that date back thousands of years.
Art is Fun: Day of the Dead
“Dia de los Muertos art is (perhaps ironically) one of the world’s most colorful and lively art forms. As Day of the Dead approaches, brightly-colored skulls and dancing, laughing skeletons appear on shop windows, in market stalls and on t-shirts. Intricately-cut tissue paper billows in the breeze, draped from buildings and trees and stretched across altars.” Artist Thaneeya McArdle displays her Dia de los Muertos art, and explains the history of Day of the Dead.
Day of the Dead in Mexico
“Day of the Dead in Mexico represents a mixture of Christian devotion and Pre-Hispanic traditions and beliefs. As a result of this mixture, the celebration comes to life as an unique Mexican tradition including an altar and offerings dedicated to the deceased.” Photographer Mary J. Andrade has been capturing Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Mexico since 1987. This site showcases her books and photography with a gallery organized by city (such as Tlaxcala and Veracruz) and subject (such as altars, toys, and parade of the children.)
Kinderart: Day of the Dead Skull Masks
This beautiful skull mask art project (the Spanish word for skull is “calavera”) was designed by teaching artist Anitra Redlefsen. The downloadable templates come in two flavors: one with a design in black and white, ready to be colored, the other a blank mask, ready for your own design. Be sure to also check out Ms. Redlefsen’s site, where she has another Day of the Dead art project called Day of the Dead Marigold Sculpture, and the link listed under Resources, which houses lots of Day of the Dead slide-show presentations for classroom or after-school club.
… Click to continue to Day of the Dead
Printables Club Members Also Get …
Surfnetkids Printables Club Members also get the following printables to use in the classroom, the computer lab, the school library, or to send home with students:
Day of the Dead Printable
Day of the Dead Wikipedia Printable
Cinco de Mayo Printable
*** Are you curious? Get your own ten-day trial membership:
https://www.surfnetkids.com/printables-club.htm
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Quote of the Week
“Good schools, like good societies and good families, celebrate and cherish diversity.” ~~ Deborah Meier ~~ (1931– ) American educational reformer, writer, activist. Click here for pages and pages of inspiring quotes about education.
Surfing the Calendar
International Dinosaur Month October
Bullying Prevention Month October
Diversity Awareness Month October
National Book Month October
National Cyber Security Month October
National Dental Hygiene Month October
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month October
National Popcorn Month October
National Stamp Collecting Month October
Computer Learning Month October
Statue of Liberty Dedicated Oct 28, 1886
Jonas Salk’s Birthday Oct 28, 1914
Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 Signed Into Law Oct 28, 1998
First Internet Transmission Oct 29, 1969
John Adams’ Birthday Oct 30, 1735
Captain Thomas Preston Acquitted in Boston Massacre Trial Oct 30, 1770
Harry Houdini’s Death Oct 31, 1926
Halloween Recipes Oct 31, 2015
Halloween Costumes Oct 31, 2015
Halloween Pumpkin Carving Oct 31, 2015
Halloween Fun Oct 31, 2015
National Magic Day Oct 31, 2015
American Indian Heritage Month November
Aviation History Month November
President First Occupies the White House Nov 1, 1800