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Unmasking the Mask: Who Am I? An Imagination Station Activity brought to FEN by National PTA
Age: All ages
Time: 2 hours or more
Type of activity: Art, storytelling Materials Needed:
Almost any materials can be used for this project. Use whatever is available to you, including egg cartons, shells, bottle caps, cans, twist-ties, brushes, rags, buttons, lids, dried flowers, empty milk cartons and soda bottles, old screening, nylons, rope, cardboard, paper plates, gauze, stamps, string, rubber bands, paper, beans, noodles, paint, crayons, pictures, pencils, glue, tape, flour, papier-mache or newspaper. Instructions
Find examples of different kinds of masks in books, museum collections and photographs. Select examples from these types of sources for younger children to get ideas for their masks. Older children may research a particular period of history or culture for mask ideas. Visit a museum or gallery to look for examples, and discuss different cultures' traditions and rituals. Research the mask. For very young children this could be as simple as creating a "happy face," "sad face," or "angry face." For older kids this could be more involved, but still fun! The leader may ask questions about the masks, or children may brainstorm and ask their own questions. Some examples of questions include: Who made the mask? What does it symbolize to the culture that produced it? What beliefs might be associated with the mask? Think about making the mask. Each child may make his or her own mask, or it can be a group project. What will the mask look like? Is it a family crest, tribal mask, ceremonial mask, safety mask? How would the mask be made? What will it symbolize? Discuss the features. Is it human or animal? Does it have a gender? What is it intended to do? What is its personality? Is it happy, strong, sad, brave, scary, quiet, funny? Does it have hair, eyes, a nose, a mouth, freckles, bumps, jewelry, or clothing? Ask the children to explain why their masks have these features. Make a detailed drawing of the mask. Determine what size and shape it will be, what materials are most appropriate to use for the type of mask it is, how to decorate it, and what the specific steps are for making it. After the mask is made, share it by creating a story for it, writing a report for the class, writing and performing a play, or producing a short skit. Performances could be for family and friends, the class, the whole school, or a PTA meeting!
More on: Arts & Crafts Activities for Kids: Project Ideas
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Pregnancy
