Warm-Up & Mask Making

Overview

Year Level: 1-2
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 26 students
Unit: Theatrical Journey with Pigs (Lesson 2 of 5)
WALT: Develop character masks and explore voice modulation
Success Criteria:

• Complete a character mask reflecting a chosen character
• Demonstrate use of varied voice to portray character traits

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Victorian Curriculum Alignment

Drama

• VCADRM015 (Level 1): Make and share drama that communicates ideas and stories
• VCADRM016 (Level 2): Develop role and situation in dramatic play and improvisation
• VCADRM018 (Level 2): Explore voice and movement to convey character and emotion
• VCADRR019 (Level 2): Respond and describe elements in drama they make and view

Achievement Standard:
By the end of Level 2, students make and present drama using role, situation and focus; describe what happens in drama; identify and describe elements of drama and reasons for dramatic effect.

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Learning Intentions

We Are Learning To:

• Use creative play to develop character masks
• Explore and control voice modulation to express character traits
• Engage collaboratively in drama activities

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Success Criteria

• I can complete a mask that represents my character
• I can change my voice to show how my character feels or speaks
• I can participate and respect others during group activities

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Materials

• Pre-cut mask bases (paper plates or card)
• Colouring tools: crayons, markers, feathers, glitter, sticky jewels (non-toxic)
• Elastic bands or sticks for holding masks
• Copies of "The Three Little Pigs" or pictures of characters
• Music for warm-up game

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Warm-up Game (10 minutes)

Activity: Character Charades

• Begin with a fun game to activate imagination and voice skills.
• Teacher calls out characters from "The Three Little Pigs" (e.g., pig, wolf) or other familiar story characters like "The Gruffalo".
• Students take turns silently acting the character while others guess.
• Encourage use of distinct voice sounds (e.g., wolf’s growl, pig’s squeal).
• This warms up bodies, minds, and voices gently and socially.

Curriculum Links: VCADRM018 (Explore voice and movement)

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2. Mask Making (20 minutes)

Activity: Create Your Character Mask

• Students choose a character from the story (wolf or pig).
• Using the materials, students decorate their masks to reflect their character’s personality and traits.
• Teacher prompts for elements reflecting character: colours, shapes, facial features.

Differentiation:

• Support students with fine motor difficulties using stickers and pre-cut pieces.
• Offer simple choice between two designs for students needing structure.

Curriculum Links: VCADRM015 (Make and share drama communicating ideas)

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3. Voice Exploration & Practice (10 minutes)

Activity: Using Our Voices

• Students wear their masks and practice saying character phrases or sounds.
• Teacher guides them to explore loud/soft, high/low, fast/slow voice changes.
• Use simple sentences from story or invented ones, e.g., “I’m the Big Bad Wolf!”
• Encourage peer feedback on how voice matches character.

Curriculum Links: VCADRM018 (Explore voice modulation)

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4. Reflection & Sharing (5 minutes)

Activity: Show and Tell

• In small groups, students briefly show their masks and use their character voices to introduce themselves.
• Teacher prompts them to say something about their character.

Curriculum Links: VCADRR019 (Describe drama elements viewed and made)

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual cues and modelling for instructions
• Partner support during mask making and voice activities
• Simplified voice options (e.g. soft/loud) for students with speech difficulties
• Extension activity: students who finish early can draw a simple background for their character’s setting

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Classroom Management Tips

• Ensure materials are ready and distributed before mask time starts
• Use gentle reminders on voice volume especially after warm-up game
• Transition between activities clearly with countdown or signal (clap or bell)
• Positive verbal encouragement to build confidence and participation

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe mask completion and creativity for understanding character traits
• Listen for voice modulation skills during practice and sharing
• Informal peer feedback on character portrayal

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Summary

This lesson promotes imaginative engagement through mask making and voice exploration aligned precisely to the Victorian Curriculum for Levels 1 and 2 drama objectives. The mix of active warm-up, hands-on crafting, and vocal practice balances movement and concentration, catering to young learners’ developmental needs and setting a foundation for later storytelling and acting tasks in the unit.

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