Mask Creation Workshop

Lesson Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Year Group: 8 students (ages 12-13)

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and express specific emotions or characters through their mask designs.
2. Demonstrate creativity, originality, and decision-making skills in the design and construction of masks.
3. Collaborate effectively with peers to share ideas and techniques.

Curriculum Links

• Drama National Curriculum:
  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • Develop an understanding of the expressive qualities of drama.
    • Explore and create roles and characters.
• Art and Design (KS3):
  • Students should develop their ideas in response to a theme or narrative.

Materials Needed

• Plain white or coloured paper masks
• Variety of decorative materials (e.g., paint, markers, feathers, sequins, beads)
• Scissors
• Glue and glue sticks
• String and elastic bands for securing masks
• Reference images of masks from different cultures and eras
• Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
• Tables and chairs arranged for group work

Lesson Procedure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Warm-up Activity:

   • Begin with a brief "Emotion Charades" activity where students act out various emotions (e.g., joy, anger, sadness) without words, promoting an understanding of facial expressions and body language.
   • Discuss how masks can change the perception of emotions and characters in drama.

2. Explain Objectives:

   • Introduce the lesson objectives and outline what students will be doing during the session.

Main Activity (40 minutes)

Step 1: Inspiration and Design (15 minutes)

1. Visual Presentation:

   • Show images of different types of masks (e.g. Venetian, African tribal, Carnival) to inspire students’ designs.
   • Encourage students to think about the emotions or characters they want to depict.

2. Design Sketching:

   • Hand out sketch paper and ask students to draw their mask design, focusing on features that represent their chosen emotion or character.
   • Instruct them to include details such as colour schemes, materials to be used, and any additional elements (e.g., feathers, sequins).

Step 2: Mask Creation (25 minutes)

1. Mask Construction:

   • Distribute materials to each student.
   • Allow students to bring their designs to life by cutting, painting, and decorating their masks.
   • Offer guidance and assistance as needed, encouraging collaboration among students.

2. Peer Feedback:

   • As students work, have them pair up with a partner to discuss their designs and provide feedback on how well their mask expresses the intended emotion or character.

Reflection and Sharing (10 minutes)

1. Gallery Walk:

   • Create a gallery walk where students display their masks for the class.
   • Give students 2-3 minutes to walk around, observe each other's work, and make mental notes.

2. Class Discussion:

   • Regroup and discuss the following:
     • What emotions or characters did they choose to express through their masks?
     • How did the materials they chose enhance their designs?
     • What challenges did they face during the creative process?

3. Wrap-up:

   • Reinforce the lesson objectives and commend students for their creativity.
   • Share a preview of the next lesson where they will use their masks in a performance.

Assessment

• Informal assessment during the mask creation activity through observation of student engagement, creativity, and collaboration.
• Feedback from peers using a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down method after the gallery walk discussion.

Differentiation

• For advanced students: Encourage them to incorporate more complex techniques or themes in their mask design (e.g., symbolism).
• For students requiring support: Offer templates or pre-made designs to assist them in creating their masks.

Extensions

• Suggest students take their masks home and practice a simple monologue or scene to perform in the next lesson.
• Encourage students to explore the history of masks and their cultural significance for homework.

With this detailed lesson plan, teachers will be equipped to inspire creativity and collaboration in their classrooms, helping students to explore their emotional range through the art of mask-making.