Mardi Gras Worksheets for Kids

Celebrating Mardi Gras with Kids: Fun and Educational Worksheets

Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a carnival celebration that takes place before the Christian season of Lent. It’s a time of parades, parties, and feasting, and is traditionally associated with the city of New Orleans. If you’re looking for ways to teach your kids about this vibrant and exciting holiday, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll share some fun and educational Mardi Gras worksheets for kids that are perfect for learning about the history and culture of this unique celebration.

Mardi Gras History and Culture

Before we dive into the worksheets, let’s take a brief look at the history and culture of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has its roots in medieval Europe, where it was celebrated as a last feast before the 40-day Lenten fast. The tradition was brought to the Americas by French colonists, who settled in what is now New Orleans in the early 18th century.

Over time, Mardi Gras evolved into a unique and colorful celebration that reflects the cultural heritage of New Orleans. The city’s Mardi Gras parade, which features elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed riders tossing “throws” to the crowd, is one of the most famous in the world.

Mardi Gras Worksheets for Kids

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Mardi Gras, let’s move on to some fun and educational worksheets that your kids can enjoy. Here are a few ideas:

Mardi Gras Word Search

Create a word search puzzle with vocabulary related to Mardi Gras, such as "parade," "mask," "beads," and "jazz." You can use a word search generator or create your own puzzle by hand.

Mardi Gras Coloring Pages

Coloring pages are a great way to get kids engaged with a topic, and Mardi Gras is no exception. You can find free coloring pages online or create your own using illustrations of Mardi Gras-themed characters, such as kings and queens, jesters, and musicians.

Mardi Gras Math Problems

Help your kids practice their math skills with Mardi Gras-themed problems. For example, you could ask them to calculate the number of beads on a Mardi Gras necklace or the cost of a king cake.

Mardi Gras Reading Comprehension

Create a reading comprehension worksheet that features a short passage about Mardi Gras. Ask your kids to answer questions about the passage, such as "What is the name of the city most associated with Mardi Gras?" or "What is the purpose of the Lenten fast?"

Mardi Gras Writing Prompt

Encourage your kids to get creative with a Mardi Gras-themed writing prompt. For example, you could ask them to imagine they are attending a Mardi Gras parade and describe what they see and hear.

Mardi Gras Activities for Kids

In addition to worksheets, here are a few Mardi Gras activities that your kids might enjoy:

Make a Mardi Gras Mask

Create a Mardi Gras mask using construction paper, glue, and other craft supplies. You can decorate the mask with feathers, glitter, and other embellishments.

Play Mardi Gras Music

Introduce your kids to the lively music of Mardi Gras, which includes jazz, blues, and zydeco. You can find playlists online or create your own using music streaming services.

Make a King Cake

King cake is a traditional Mardi Gras treat that is typically eaten during the celebration. You can make a king cake at home using a recipe found online or in a cookbook.

Conclusion

Mardi Gras is a unique and exciting celebration that offers a wealth of opportunities for learning and fun. With these Mardi Gras worksheets for kids, you can help your children develop their skills and knowledge while exploring the history and culture of this vibrant holiday.