Mardi Gras 2-Hour Lesson Plan for Elementary School

Mardi Gras Lesson Plan – Elementary (Grades 2–5)

Bring the magic of Mardi Gras into your classroom with this engaging, cross-curricular lesson plan and activity pack! Students will explore the history, colors, and traditions of Mardi Gras while creating festive crafts and learning about American culture in a fun, age-appropriate way. Perfect for Social Studies, Art, and Cultural Studies, this resource makes cultural learning hands-on and memorable.

What’s Included

• Full 120-minute detailed lesson plan
• Printable student worksheet & answer key
• Multiple craft activities (masks, beads, crowns, parade floats, shakers)
• Color & symbol meaning activity (purple = justice, green = faith, gold = power)
• Mardi Gras map & geography connections
• Writing prompts & math connections
• Assessment rubric for easy grading
• Home connection letter for families
• Differentiation guides for ELLs, advanced learners, and special needs
• Book recommendations and cross-curricular links

How It Works in the Classroom

• Use this flexible resource for:
• Whole-group cultural lessons
• Art centers or craft rotations
• Sub plans or enrichment activities
• Holiday or seasonal celebrations
• Integration with Social Studies or Reading units

Students will:

• Design masks, necklaces, or crowns
• Locate Louisiana and Mardi Gras cities on a map
• Learn about jazz and Louisiana’s musical roots
• Write short responses and creative stories
• Participate in a classroom “parade” celebration

Standards & Learning Goals

Aligned with elementary Social Studies and ELA standards, this lesson helps students:

• Understand American cultural traditions and geography
• Build vocabulary through cultural and French terms
• Strengthen reading comprehension and writing fluency
• Express creativity through art and music
• Practice collaboration and cultural respect

Why Teachers Love It

• Comprehensive, ready-to-use lesson—no prep required
• Perfect for diverse classrooms (ELL supports included)
• Integrates art, geography, and literacy seamlessly
• Encourages creativity, movement, and engagement
• Promotes cultural awareness in a positive, respectful way
• Fun and educational—students LOVE the parade and crafts!

Help your students “let the good times roll” while learning about one of America’s most colorful cultural celebrations!

Download the Mardi Gras Lesson Plan for Grades 2–5 and make your classroom celebration unforgettable.