Day of the Dead Skeletons

       At the beginning of November, as close to Nov. 1 & 2, I have my students celebrate Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, a Mexican celebration.  The students bring in a shoe box filled with personal items of the person whose life they will celebrate.  The shoe box becomes a little altar.  The altar is covered with a small cloth such as a napkin, towel, handkerchief, etc.  A picture of the special person who has passed away has a prominent place on the altar.  Candles and flowers decorate the "altarcito" or little altar. 
       I have the children research the life of this special person.  Favorite foods, pets, hobbies, are among the researched topics.  We want to find out as many interesting things about the person.  The students ask their families about any funny or amusing stories involving this special person to tell the class.  They try to make a mental picture finding out if they wore glasses, had a beard or mustache, or wore earrings or necklace.
     The kids make little skeletons for the celebration.  These hopefully remind us of their happy life.

The skeletons are run off on card stock and stand up.  As you can see, each skeleton is the same shape and size but completely individualized.