About the lesson plan
Introduction
In Mexico, when one celebrates his/her Birthday, (s)he breaks the piñata. During the lesson, students will also have an opportunity to give a (breaking!) try. They will learn more about countless Mexican regional festivals and holidays, and even take part in them. And Mexicans have real fun when they celebrate: large amounts of good food and drink are laid out, participants dress in traditional colorful costumes, and there are parades, music and dancing.Students will find out about Mexican culture through artistic activities: they will make papel picado and piñatas by themselves – these are decorative elements that feature in most Mexican celebrations. They will also take part in a movement game – the traditional breaking of the piñata. The lesson will start with a film in which two Mexicans will talk about their unusual national sports.
Teachers have at their disposal detailed instructions for making papel picado and piñatas, together with illustrative photos and links to video tutorials, templates for printing and an inspiring film.
Aims
Main:Students know about Mexican culture and how people celebrate in Mexico.
Detailed:
Students know:
- the major Mexican holidays, festivals and celebrations,
- the rules of 2 national Mexican sports and the traditions linked to them.
- the historical and social background of the Mexican traditions,
- that everyday life and traditions differ in different countries.
- make examples of Mexican handcraft: papel picado and piñata.
Core curriculum
Common Core State Standards
English Language Arts Standards - Speaking & Listening, Grade 4-5
Comprehension and Collaboration
“CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 and on grade 5 topics, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly”.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.A
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion”.
Visual and Performing Arts: Visual Arts Content Standards (California State Board of Education)
www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/vamain.asp 2.0.
Creative Expression, Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Visual Arts
“Students apply artistic processes and skills using a variety of media to communicate meaning and intent in original works of art”.
3.0 Historical and Cultural Context
Understanding the Historical Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of the Visual Arts
“Students analyze the role and development of the visual arts in past and present cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to the visual arts and artists”.
English Language Arts Standards - Speaking & Listening, Grade 4-5
Comprehension and Collaboration
“CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 and on grade 5 topics, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly”.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.A
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion”.
Visual and Performing Arts: Visual Arts Content Standards (California State Board of Education)
www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/vamain.asp 2.0.
Creative Expression, Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Visual Arts
“Students apply artistic processes and skills using a variety of media to communicate meaning and intent in original works of art”.
3.0 Historical and Cultural Context
Understanding the Historical Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of the Visual Arts
“Students analyze the role and development of the visual arts in past and present cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to the visual arts and artists”.
Work methods
- Independent knowledge-acquisition, including problem-solving method.
- Experiential – expressive and impressionist methods.
- Assimilation of knowledge: talk, discussion.
