Through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Malkin and the Malkin Fund, One To World had the opportunity to revisit PS 241 to be a part of the “Principal for a Day” event, where Mr. Malkin himself stepped in as Principal! The event took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 as part of an ongoing partnership with PS 241. Global Guides Gema Santamaria and Rita Sanchez presented to three different classes of 5th graders, a total of almost 70 students, all of whom were experiencing a Global Classroom workshop for the first time! Gema and Rita, both from Mexico, worked wonderfully together to introduce students to Mexican culture and explore the ritual and tradition surrounding the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration.
Rita discussed the reasons why Mexicans celebrate this holiday, then addressed the celebration to explore difference in US and Mexican perspectives on death and the afterlife. She was especially adept at making sure students remained unafraid and at ease with the potentially frightening topic!
Gema explained the traditions of papel picado and sugar skulls. She demonstrated how to make them, then gave students the opportunity to make them for themselves. Both Gema and Rita explained to students the structure of the altar: the first tier represents earth, the second tier is limbo, and the third tier is the afterlife. Rita then discussed the altar’s significance in connecting the living and the dead through the objects the family puts on it. Though some of the intricate cutting was challenging for the young students, Gema and Rita coached them through and students were excited to have the opportunity to place their newly cut papel picado on the altar!Rita and Gema gave a wonderfully interactive workshop. They encouraged students to participate with questions throughout the presentation and asked their own questions throughout to gauge students’ knowledge. The workshop served not only to teach students about Mexico and an important Mexican tradition, but also to prompt students to think about the differences in perceptions of death across cultures. Both Global Guides and students had a fantastic time!
