Of all the Mexico crafts for kids a teacher could ever offer, Mexican Nichos are hands-down the one project that brings creativity to the absolute forefront for children, especially when coupled with our clay calacas craft.
Before you start this project, be sure to consider my Day of the Dead Display Board and Unit Study as it saves you oodles of time by providing all the information you need to teach your students about this festive holiday.
When kids make a calaca (a whimsical skeleton figure), the nicho instantly becomes its home and children LOVE giving their little boney friend everything he/she needs, which leads to great creativity and care in their work.
To start, I bought wooden shadow boxes at Michaels. To save some time, I painted the inside of the boxes before class started.
I then measured and cut a tin frame using 36-gauge aluminum tooling foil, (which I am obsessed with).
The kids embossed their frames using a dull pencil.
Then they went to town decorating the inside of their nichos with various embellishments I supplied.
They turned out so colorful and festive!
If you think tin art is something your children or students might like, then be sure to check out our Day of the Dead Tin Skulls and Mexican Sacred Heart projects…and while you’re at it why not make an Easy Mexico Food Platter For Kids!
Have you ever made nichos with your class or children? What was your technique?
I invite you to leave your comments about this Mexico craft for kids below – and be sure to check out my other Mexico arts and crafts for kids!
