6th Graders Celebrate Culture and Creativity with Colorful Sugar Skull Project

The 6th graders at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School recently filled their classrooms with color, creativity, and culture as they completed a vibrant art activity inspired by Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) traditions.

Using tissue paper squares, glue, and clear templates, students designed radiant sugar skulls that celebrate both art and cultural appreciation. The activity encouraged students to blend bright colors, overlap translucent tissue, and explore patterns before layering their creations behind decorative black skull outlines.

“This project helped students learn about a meaningful cultural celebration while also giving them a hands-on, creative outlet,” said Trisha St. Germain, the 6th grade Language Acquisition Spanish teacher. “They had fun experimenting with color blending and design while gaining an appreciation for how Día de los Muertos honors loved ones and celebrates life.”

Students worked in pairs and small groups, sharing materials, ideas, and laughter as they brushed glue and layered colorful squares across their templates. The classroom buzzed with excitement as students compared color combinations and proudly displayed their designs.

When complete, the skulls were hung on the windows—allowing light to shine through and illuminate the tissue colors, creating a stained-glass effect.

The project beautifully connected art, culture, and collaboration—giving students a chance to celebrate creativity while learning about an important cultural tradition in a fun and memorable way.