Designing Our Masks

Overview

This is the second lesson in a four-lesson unit, Carnival Mask Creations, designed for Year 2 students. Over a 90-minute session with 9 students, learners will build upon their previous research and discussions to create detailed sketches of their carnival mask designs. They will be introduced to a variety of mask-making materials and techniques, then make considered decisions on which materials they intend to use for their mask project.

This lesson aligns closely with the National Curriculum for England, particularly the KS1 Art and Design programme of study, developing creativity, understanding of materials and processes, and personal expression.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Use drawing tools competently to create detailed and imaginative sketches of carnival masks inspired by their research.
• Identify and name a range of materials and techniques used in traditional and contemporary mask-making.
• Explain their choices of materials and techniques, linking to their individual mask designs.

National Curriculum Links

• Art and Design KS1 (Year 1 & 2)
  • Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
  • Use drawing to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination.
  • Explore the work of artists and craftspeople to generate ideas.
  • Experiment with different materials and processes to create colour, texture, pattern and shape.

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Resources

• Sketchbooks or A4 drawing paper (1 per pupil)
• Pencils, rubber, coloured pencils, crayons, felt tips
• Photographs and examples of carnival masks (traditional and modern styles)
• Samples of mask-making materials: feathers, glitter, sequins, card, tissue paper, feathers, glue, elastic bands etc.
• Whiteboard and markers
• Labels and sticky notes for materials selection

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)

• Welcome students and briefly recap Lesson 1 where they researched carnival masks.
• Use photographs/examples to recall the styles and cultural meanings they explored.
• Learning Intention: “Today we will start designing masks of our own!”
• Quick discussion: “What kinds of materials do you remember seeing on masks?”

2. Exploring Materials and Techniques (15 minutes)

• Present the samples of mask-making materials and tools on a table.
• Demonstrate how some materials can be used — layering tissue paper, using glue for glitter, attaching feathers, cutting and shaping card etc.
• Introduce simple mask-making techniques: layering, collage, texture creation.
• Let students handle the materials to explore texture and usability.
• Talk briefly about safety when using scissors and glue.

3. Sketching Mask Designs (40 minutes)

• Pupils work individually in their sketchbooks/paper.
• Step 1: Draw an outline shape of their mask on the page—encourage imaginative and varied shapes.
• Step 2: Add patterns, decorations, and features seen in carnival masks inspired by examples.
• Step 3: Include notes and labels on their sketch about what materials they want to use and why.
• Teacher circulates, providing individual support and posing questions:
  • “How will you make your mask stand out?”
  • “What materials work best for your chosen decorations?”
• Encourage pupils to be creative and original while linking designs to what they have learned.

4. Sharing and Feedback (15 minutes)

• Each pupil shows their sketch to the class.
• Classmates and teacher give positive feedback focused on: creativity, use of space, and material choices.
• Use guiding questions:
  • “What do you like most about this design?”
  • “Why do you think those materials will be good?”
• Teacher notes any techniques or ideas to revisit for Lesson 3 (mask making).

5. Materials Selection Activity (10 minutes)

• Pupils use sticky notes to ‘vote’ or mark their top three materials they plan to use for their masks.
• Teacher creates a simple materials chart on the board to anticipate quantities required for Lesson 3.
• Brief safety reminder and explanation of next steps.

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Assessment

Formative assessment throughout lesson:

• Observation of pupil engagement and sketching process
• Questioning during materials exploration and sketch critique
• Review of pupils’ sketches and notes to ensure understanding of ideas and materials choice

Success Criteria:

• Sketches show clear mask shapes and decorative detail.
• Pupils can explain their material choices confidently.
• Work demonstrates creativity and links to previous learning.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide stencils for mask shapes or visual prompts for pupils who need help starting drawings.
• Challenge: Encourage more detailed sketches and use of mixed media for pupils who complete early. Suggest experimenting with combining materials in novel ways.

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Cross-Curricular Opportunities

• PSHE: Discussing cultural heritage and respect when designing masks inspired by different traditions.
• English: Vocabulary development relating to art and materials (e.g., collage, texture, layer).
• Maths: Measuring and symmetrical shapes during mask outline drawing can link to geometry work.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a ‘Materials Mood Board’ on a classroom wall with fabric, paper, shapes, and textures pupils are inspired by as an ongoing reference.
• Start a group discussion or story around where in the carnival their mask would be used and why, connecting art to storytelling.

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This lesson plan fosters creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills, ensuring pupils are well-prepared to begin making their masks in the next lesson while fulfilling the statutory requirements and spirit of the National Curriculum for England.