October 2024 | Vol. 34 Iss. 10
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DAY OF THE DEAD TRADITION CONTINUES OUTSIDE SPANISH CLASS By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
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o celebrate Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on Nov. 1, third grade teacher Irais Reed invites her students and their families to remember family members and family pets who’ve passed away. “It’s so special because you’re able to remember your loved ones, but it’s not a sad tradition,” Reed said. “You never want to forget those special memories that you have with them. So we focus a lot on those special moments, the moments that they used to make you laugh, the moments that you’re going to cherish from your loved ones.” Reed sets up a classroom ofrenda, a table decorated with Day of the Dead symbols. Each child brings a picture of a family member or pet who has passed away, along with some of their favorite items or treats, to place on the ofrenda. Then they share memories of their loved one with the class. Reed said it is a tradition that turns a sad moment into a celebration by focusing on happy memories that strengthen family connections. “What I love the most is that by honoring them year after year, you continue to have that special bond and special memory with your family members,” Reed said. Reed has celebrated the Mexican holiday with her dual language immersion Spanish classes at Continued page 4
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Students place pictures of family members or family pets who’ve passed away on the classroom ofrenda during Day of the Dead. (Irais Reed/ Herriman Elementary)
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It’s Halloween season