Elementary Drawing Lesson - Pumpkin Sugar Skull - Halloween

 Pumpkin Drawing - Sugar Skull

Lesson Plan: Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Pumpkins

Grade Level: 3rd - 5th Grade
Duration: 1 hour
Objective: Students will learn about the Day of the Dead and create drawings of pumpkins decorated like Day of the Dead skulls.

Materials Needed:

• Drawing paper
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Black markers or fine-tip pens
• Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
• Images of Day of the Dead skulls and pumpkins for inspiration

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Discussion: Start with a brief discussion about the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). Explain that it is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
2. Visuals: Show images of traditional Day of the Dead skulls (calaveras) and decorated pumpkins. Highlight the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic elements like flowers and skulls.

Activity Instructions (40 minutes):

1. Sketching the Pumpkin Shape: Have students draw the outline of a pumpkin on their paper. Encourage them to make it large enough to add detailed decorations.
2. Designing the Skull Face: Inside the pumpkin outline, students will draw a skull face. They can include elements like eyes, nose, mouth, and other decorative patterns typical of Day of the Dead skulls.
3. Adding Details: Students can add additional decorations around the skull face, such as flowers, swirls, and other patterns. Encourage creativity and the use of traditional Day of the Dead motifs.
4. Outlining and Coloring: Once the design is complete, students can outline their drawings with black markers or fine-tip pens. Then, they can color their drawings using bright, bold colors typical of Day of the Dead decorations.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

1. Show and Tell: Have students share their drawings with the class and explain the elements they included in their designs.
2. Reflection: Discuss what they learned about the Day of the Dead and how it influenced their artwork.

Assessment:

• Participation in the discussion and activity
• Creativity and effort in the drawing
• Understanding of Day of the Dead traditions as demonstrated in their designs

Extension Activities:

• Writing Assignment: Have students write a short paragraph about the significance of the Day of the Dead and what they learned from the lesson.
• Class Display: Create a classroom display of the drawings along with information about the Day of the Dead.