Day of the Dead sugar skull masks for kids that fold into a real 3D shape, plus bilingual reading pages that explain what calaveritas mean. A joyful, respectful way to celebrate Día de Muertos at home or in the classroom.
Each mask starts flat. Kids cut out the eyes, overlap and glue the darts, and the skull pops into shape. Then they write a special person's name on the name tag and glue it to the forehead, just like families do on sugar skulls. It's a gentle way for kids to talk about someone they love.
Made with care. Celebrate Day of the Dead with accuracy and respect: a celebration of love and memory, not a Halloween costume.
What's included (23-page PDF):
- 5 full-color sugar skull masks
- 5 black and white masks to color
- 1 blank mask to design your own
- A name tag for every mask
- Bilingual instructions (English and Spanish)
- "What is a Calaverita?" reading and drawing page, English and Spanish
- "The Days of Día de Muertos" page, English and Spanish
- Reading pages in color and black and white
- A bilingual guide for grown-ups on talking gently about loved ones
What kids learn:
- Read a short text about calaveritas and Día de Muertos
- Learn bilingual words: calavera, ofrenda, cempasúchil, recordar
- Practice cutting, gluing, and following steps
- Draw and write about someone special
Ways to use it: a class or family ofrenda, Spanish class, dual language classrooms, Hispanic Heritage Month, or a cozy weekend craft at home.
You'll need: letter size paper or card stock, scissors, glue, and a popsicle stick or string.
Best for ages 4 to 9 (PreK to Grade 3). Instant digital download, no physical item shipped.
Questions parents and teachers ask
What is a calaverita?
A calaverita is a little skull. For Día de Muertos, families in Mexico decorate sugar skulls with bright colors, flowers, and hearts, sometimes write a loved one's name on the forehead, and place them on the ofrenda, a special table for remembering loved ones who are no longer with us.
Is Día de Muertos the same as Halloween?
No. Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a joyful time to remember loved ones, not a spooky costume holiday. This set explains the difference in kid-friendly language.
What age are these sugar skull masks for?
Ages 4 to 9 (PreK to Grade 3). Younger children may need help cutting out the eyes.
What paper works best?
Card stock holds the 3D shape best, but regular printer paper works too. The file is sized for US letter paper (8.5 x 11 in).
How do I talk with kids about loved ones who are no longer with us?
The bilingual grown-ups guide gives simple tips. The drawing prompt lets children choose someone they miss or someone they love today, and no child ever has to share aloud.
Is it in Spanish?
Yes. The instructions, reading pages, Days of Día de Muertos pages, and grown-ups guide come in both English and Spanish.
Can I use it in my classroom?
Yes. Each purchase covers personal use or use in one classroom.
