6th Grade - Plaster Masks

The 6th grade mask-making lesson is probably the most anticipated project of the school year!  As you can see, the students get to lay on the tables as their group members apply the plaster gauze strips to their face.  To protect their faces, we simply begin by placing a damp paper towel on them, of course with a hole torn out for their nose.  Group members work quickly to apply about 3 layers of plaster gauze to their face.  Once everyone has their masks made we discuss the history of masks, uses of masks and  various options for them to use when creating their mask design.   A sketch is completed and painting begins.  Some students create other pieces out of paper, cotton, fabric, etc.. to apply to their mask as well.  Results get better every year and there's always such a wide range of masks made.

 

4th Grade - Animal Pots

4th graders had 3 requirements for their animal pot; it had to be a pot/container, have a lid that fits, and had to somehow be transformed into an animal.  They did a sketch before beginning.  The pots all started as a pinch pot, and animal parts were added on by slipping and scoring.  Lids were made from either slabs or pinch pots.  Fired pieces were painted and clear glazed.  They were all so fantastic I couldn't just choose a few pictures!

3rd Grade - Stuffed Paper Masks

Students made a large scale, symmetrical paper masks.  They began by drawing the "mask" on one piece of butcher paper, adding eyes, noses, mouths, and designs that were symmetrical.  They cut out the front and back side of their mask simultaneously.  Before moving any further, they glued the two pieces together around the edge, making sure to leave an unglued gap, about the size of their hand, so they could open it up to stuff it later.  Next, they collaged and painted the front side of their mask.  After stuffing with newspaper, they stapled the gap shut.