After hearing the story Maria Molina and the Days of the Dead , students will identify the similarities and differences between El Dia de los Muertos , Memorial Day and Halloween by completing a chart in cooperative groups. Ask students how people in America remember their loved ones who have passed away. List student responses on the chalk board. Explain to students that the ways in which people bury and remember their dead say much about the peoples' beliefs, culture, and customs.
Different societies deal with death in many different ways.
Explain to the students that they are going to hear a story about a family from Mexico and a special way in which they remember their dead. Ask students to point out Mexico on the world map. Read the book Maria Molina and the Days of the Dead. Give students a brief introduction to the story before you read. Explain to the students what El Dia de los Muertos festival is.