Eighth graders in Jillian Schernikau’s Spanish I class at Schoo Middle School recently took part in a lesson that combined science, art, language, and culture. The lesson focused on the migration of monarch butterflies and its link to Día de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday observed from October 31 to November 2. Students learned about how natural events and cultural traditions can be connected, while practicing Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL).
The class started by watching a short video about the history and meaning of Day of the Dead. The holiday has roots in Aztec customs and Spanish traditions and honors the spirits of ancestors. In Mexico, some families believe that monarch butterflies, which return to central Mexico each fall, represent the souls of the departed. This idea was used as a basis for the lesson.
In class, students practiced animal names in both Spanish and ASL. They learned words for animals such as tiger, hamster, shark, and crocodile, and matched each with the correct ASL sign. This method aimed to support different learning styles…