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Objective:
Creating interactive activity to learn about Frida Kahlo and the Mexican tradition of Sugar Skulls
Skill Development: Art
Minimum Age: Grade 3
Messiness: Medium
Books to Read
- Frida Kahlo: The Artist who Painted Herself
- Frida Kahlo (Little People, Big Dreams)
- Frida Kahlo: The Artist in the Blue House
*Reading enhancing the learning environment
This Learning Plan was used for Grade 5
Age/grade for projects are simply suggestions and may be used with other age groups.
Some activities may not be suitable for younger children. Supervise your children at all times.
Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican painter, was inspired by nature and Mexican traditions. Sugar Skulls are a popular tradition and often include flowers just like Kahlo’s self-portraits.
We have a fun surprise at the very end.
Step 1:
Draw the skull. Place a dot at the top (top of skull), bottom (for the chin). For the sides, pretend the skull has invisible ears and place the dots underneath where the ears would be. Connect the dots to form your skull.
Vocabulary used:
Symmetry (same on both sides)
Radial (based around a central point) Like how the flowers are centered around the dots of the eyes.
You can have visuals of examples of designs to inspire the children but encourage them that there is not right or wrong way to create these.
Step 2:
Draw designs with the Sharpie and sign or write your name on the bottom of the acetate sheet. Then flip the acetate sheet over. Your name will now appear backwards.
Step 3:
Now you can use the neon paints to add bright colors to your drawing. The thinner the paint, the quicker it will dry. You can always add more layers of paint. Once dry, they can use double sided tape to attach their sugar skull to white construction paper.
Allow them to admire their creations. Have them hold them up so everyone can enjoy how unique each one is. Then, here comes the surprise….
Step 4:
Hand the children the blacklight flashlights. Turn off all of the lights and close any blinds. Turn on any large blacklights and have children turn on their flashlights. These neon paints react to the light, creating a glowing effect, as well as glow-in-the-dark.
Check out our YouTube video that shows you step by step of the fun and interactive project.
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Frida Kahlo inspired Reserve Sugar Skulls created by students from Grade 5. Follow @How2playtoday for more exciting activities.
We have more Kahlo Inspired Art for other grades. Check them out here.
