With their skeleton face paint and traditional Mexican clothing, it may have been difficult for Elk Run Elementary students to recognize Archer Birrell’s fourth grade class as they showcased the customs of Dia dos Muertos (Day of the Dead).

“We just wanted to highlight other cultures and celebrate diversity as part of our school goals,” Mr. Birrell said.

As a culmination of an in-depth approach to learning about cultural influences and customs, Mr. Birrell’s class created elaborate decorations and emphasized important traditions as part of their Day of the Dead gallery walk.

As class after class entered the large instruction room they were greeted with traditional Mexican music, colorful arrangements of flowers, and a lot of kids whose faces looked like vibrant skulls.

Positioned next to each of Birrell’s students were small desks that displayed pictures of deceased family members or pets, which served as talking points for the touring classes. Additionally, traditional Dia dos Muertos items – salt, fruit, corn, candles, flowers, and masks – were on display around the room.