Getting to Know
Shape and Form in Art
Introduce youngsters to the important role shape and form play in art with this extensive collection of activities and projects. From teaching first graders how to create mandalas to engaging third and fourth graders in the design...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: Becoming an Animal
The Kwakwaka'wakw are indigenous people from Vancouver Island and British Columbia. The class analyzes a Kwakwak'wakw ceremonial mask, how it was used, and its cultural significance. They then create animal masks representing their...
Hildegard Center for the Arts
Mardi Gras Masks
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Create your own festive Mardi Gras masks with a lesson that provides background information on the celebration and instructions about constructing the masks.
Curated OER
African Mask
Students make masks. In this African art lesson, students review background information about African art and the use of masks. Students use geometric shapes and other designs to create their masks.
Curated OER
Colorful Paper Masks
Learners create individual masks using poster paper, string or elastic, and basic art supplies in this wonderful Art lesson for any level. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of cultural and personal uses of masks and personal creativity.
Curated OER
The Meaning Behind the Mask
Young scholars explore the world of African masks and storytelling. They create masks that tell stories of their own.
Curated OER
Masks
Pupils create Masks using heavy paper or bristol board, pencils, scissors, glue, and various decorative materials in this Art lesson for the elementary and middle level classroom. This project can be adapted to fit any time frame...
Curated OER
Masks and Aesop's Fables
Young scholars study and perform Aesop's fables. In this Aesop's fables lesson, students read and/or listen to a number of the famous fables. They make masks based on the characters and perform a fable using the masks. They write about...
San Diego Museum of Art
Tapa-Inspired Pattern Painting
Middle schoolers are encourage to try their hand at traditional Oceania tapa art by crafting their own cloth using brown paper bags. Included in the resource is background information about the cultures of Oceania and their art.
Curated OER
Drama: Learn A Lesson from the Lion
Reading is reading, whether it's for drama or English class. Boost reading fluency, accuracy, intonation, and comprehension while fostering creative acting skills. Kids read the provided tale of "The Lion and the Mouse" several times in...
Curated OER
Season Sarcophagus
Students analyze a sarcophagus art and create a similar piece of art. In this sarcophagus art lesson plan, students investigate possible meanings of the Season Sarcophagus and create a work of art that is similar to the subject or...
Curated OER
African Mask
Students research the importance of masks to the African culture. In this African mask lesson, students design original masks using a variety of materials. Students use the template provided to create their masks.
Curated OER
Leprechaun Dust
Learners make "leprechaun dust" in this short art lesson using Jello instant pistachio pudding, small jars, milk, and spoons. Ideal for celebrating St. Patrick's Day with early-elementary students. Can be combined with the reading of a...
Curated OER
Masks from Around the World
Students examine the history of masks, and create their own mask as a culminating activity. They view and discuss a PowerPoint presentation about the history of masks, complete a class KWL chart, create their own mask, and write a...
Curated OER
Doll Making
Students discuss folktales and read Tiger and The Big Wind, listening for animal characters for later discussion. In this language arts lesson, students complete a T chart on characters and make a doll for one either chosen or assigned....
Curated OER
Molded Clay Faces
Artists create clay masks using pre-formed molds, clay, glitter, feathers, gems, and paint. The expressive qualities of clay are perfect for creating many different types of face masks, from Mardi Gras glitter to Japanese Kabuki to...
Curated OER
When A Line Meets Itself
Learners investigate the linear characteristics of cultural art. In this art analysis lesson, students discover the Pre-Columbian Chimu culture and the many masks they created. Learners identify the different shapes and lines...
Curated OER
Halloween Paper Bag Mask
Pupils create Halloween paper bag masks using paper bags, scissors, pens, crayons, paints, glue, glitter, tissue paper, and various other art materials. This lesson is ideal for late-October and can be done in as little as 30 minutes.
Curated OER
Pucker Up
Students create an expressive, decorative mask to show a strong emotion. They look at themselves making different faces in a mirror and notice how their facial features change. The write stories about what emotion your mask depicts.
Smithsonian Institution
Dia de los Muertos: Celebrating and Remembering
Help scholars understand the history, geography, traditions, and art of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Find background information for your reference as well as a detailed cross-curricular lesson plan. Learners compare...
Curated OER
Latin American Film
Students identify characteristics in a Latin American film. In this filmography lesson plan, students describe their favorite movies and the reasons why they like them. Students are shown a short clip of a Latin American movie and...
Curated OER
Drama with Children I
Students participate in activities to introduce them to drama. They mimic facial expressions, pretend objects are something else, and play "Chinese Whispers". They create puppets and theater boxes, masks and costumes, and write scripts...
Curated OER
Comic Theater
Young scholars explore stock characters and pantomime. In this comic theater lesson, students examine an ancient Greek statuette depicting a comic actor and an ancient Roman lamp decorated with a comic mask. Young scholars pantomime...
Curated OER
Everyone Has Feelings
These activities promise to provide a day full of fun for young learners as they explore feelings and emotions. Learners participate in two sing-alongs with the songs "Smile" and "If You're Happy", they color emotion masks, and finally...