Day of the Dead / Our Remembering and Gratitude Wall
Our Remembering and Gratitude Wall
A gentle, optional activity where children add a drawing, note or photo of someone or something special to them, inspired by the ofrendas Mexican families make to remember loved ones.
How to run it
- Explain that families in Mexico make an ofrenda at home with photos, favourite foods and flowers to remember people they love who have died, and that it is a happy time of storytelling.
- Let children know they can choose anyone or anything that is special to them, including a person who is alive, a pet or a favourite place, and that they don't have to share.
- Provide frames cut from card for children to draw, write a memory or stick a photo brought from home.
- Arrange the frames on a wall with paper marigolds and invite children to tell a happy story only if they want to.
- Let families know about the activity beforehand and give children a calm space and a trusted educator to talk to if it brings up big feelings.
You will need
- card frames
- pencils, markers and crayons
- photos from home (optional)
- paper marigolds
- Blu Tack
Make it easier or harderYounger children can draw a favourite person or pet; older children can write a short story or poem about a happy memory.
SafetyMake participation optional, check in privately with children known to be grieving, and let families know in advance.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 1, Outcome 3Children express feelings and memories in a safe, supported way that strengthens their sense of identity and wellbeing.
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