Using Google Slides™ to Create Sugar Skulls

The Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos falls on November 1st and 2nd. This Mexican tradition has been handed down from Spanish invaders since the 1500's. It's a time for families to celebrate the memory of deceased loved ones. They prepare colorful decorations and delicious foods. Some of the most popular decorations include alfeñiques or sugar skulls. This post provides a tutorial in using Google Slides™ to create sugar skulls.

Now you can create a DIY sugar skull within your classroom using Google Slides. This blog post walks you through the process and even includes a FREE download to try with your upper elementary, middle school, or high school students. It's a great way to have some fun this Halloween or during the Day of the Dead. Students will create their own artwork design using the free template provided. Click through to see the easy tutorial now. Plus get other materials your students will love!

1. Skull template

After opening Google Slides, Select "Insert", then "Image". Type "sugar skull template png" and then select "Search" to locate a basic skull image that will work for the sugar skull design.

image shows how to insert a skull into Google Slides

2. Adjust the size and placement of the skull on the slide.

3. Add colorful shapes and designs.

Under "Insert", add "image" to add colorful shapes and images to the skull. Some of the keywords I use are: star, triangle, mustache, paisley, mariglold, flower, heart, vine, leaves, etc. Just make sure to add "png" at the end of the keyword so there's no white space around the image. This is an excellent time to emphasize symmetry to the students and to use copy and paste so the size remains the same for both sides of the skull.

screenshot of how to add details to the skull

screen shot of adding flowers to your sugar skull

4. FREE Sugar Skull activity.

Click on the image below to download your FREE Sugar Skull activity with instructions. You'll be prompted to make a copy to save in your Google Drive.

5. More Day of the Dead Activities

To learn more about the Mexican culture and to add more Day of the Dead activities, you can purchase my complete Day of the Dead unit. It's great for your Day of the Dead or Halloween needs in your upper elementary classroom.