Photography teacher Maya Alford focuses a photo project on the holiday. “It allows you to get together with family and think about happiness for that loved one rather than sadness.”Īrcher’s celebrations for Día de Los Muertos don’t stop in Spanish classes or with the community altar. “What I resonated with is that it’s not a sad occasion it’s a celebration of life,” Sperling said. Sophomore Nina Sperling, who took Geffen’s class, said she was grateful for the new perspectives that the Día de Los Muertos unit showed her. For many, it’s the first time that they’re asked and invited to talk about these topics.” “I really like the conversation in the classroom because students are able to talk about their own family traditions or their own points of view. It helps students think about their experiences with death, their traditions and whether it’s talked about or not in their family,” Geffen said. “ starts with thinking about how we can compare and contrast societal and cultural notions of death. One of the favorite parts about teaching this unit for Geffen is the opportunity it gives to her students to learn about the main component of the holiday: death. “These mini-altaras end up going on our main community altar.” On their altar, they have to represent the four natural elements, add symbols that represents their person and they write a little on the back,” Geffen said.

“Students get to craft, by hand, an altar that honors a loved one, an animal or a historical figure who has passed away. In her class, Geffen teaches the historical background of the celebration and, to culminate the unit, her students create their own altars. Spanish teacher Talia Geffen spearheads the creation of the school’s altar and dedicates an entire unit in her Spanish classes for the holiday. On the altars, people add offerings such as, food their loved one enjoyed, flowers, photos, candles, letters and more.Īt Archer, the community is welcomed to bring in pictures or write cards to add to the annual altar. Those who celebrate Día de Los Muertos create altars that are believed to represent a portal for the souls of the people who have passed away to visit those who are still alive. This holiday marks a time in the year to celebrate and honor family and friends who have passed away. By Lizette Gonzalez, Archer School for GirlsĬolorful altars, photographs, marigolds and calaveras: these are some of the traditional decorations and symbols of Día de Los Muertos, a holiday on Nov.

Dia de los muertos altar school