Lesson Plan
Feelings Through Faces: Expressive Art Lesson Plan
Students will create expressive masks to visually represent and articulate different emotions, enhancing their emotional vocabulary and self-awareness.
This lesson fosters creative expression, emotional literacy, and critical discussion about feelings, which supports personal and social development.
Audience
Elementary School Students
Time
60-90 minutes
Approach
Interactive art-making with guided reflection.
Materials
- Feelings Through Faces: Expressive Art Lesson Plan, - Slide Deck for Emotion Exploration, and - Mask-Making Activity Supplies (paper, markers, glue, decorative items)
Prep
Preparation and Material Setup
15-20 minutes
- Review the Feelings Through Faces: Expressive Art Lesson Plan to familiarize yourself with the objectives and instructions.
- Prepare a slide deck that introduces various emotions with images and color cues.
- Gather all mask-making supplies and set up stations for group work.
- Plan discussion points and assessment criteria to gauge student understanding.
Step 1
Introduction and Emotion Exploration
15 minutes
- Launch the lesson with the slide deck presenting various emotions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, etc.).
- Engage students with questions about how they identify and experience these emotions.
- Explain the project and show examples of expressive masks.
Step 2
Mask Creation Activity
30-40 minutes
- Distribute mask-making supplies to students.
- Instruct students to design a mask that represents an emotion of their choice using colors and decorative elements.
- Encourage creativity and individual expression as students work on their projects.
- Circulate around the classroom to provide individualized support and prompt deeper reflection on their emotional choices.
Step 3
Reflection and Discussion
15-20 minutes
- Have students share their masks in small groups or with the class.
- Facilitate a discussion on what each mask represents and how different colors and designs convey emotion.
- Ask reflective questions about why they chose specific designs and how this relates to how they feel.
- Use the discussion to reinforce key concepts and assess student engagement and understanding.
Slide Deck
Welcome to Emotion Exploration
Today we will learn about different emotions and express them through art. Let's explore how feelings can change colors and shapes!
Introduce the lesson with energy and enthusiasm. Mention that this slide deck will guide the exploration of various emotions that the students might express in their artworks. Set a welcoming tone and encourage students to think about how colors can represent feelings.
Exploring Emotions
• Happiness: Bright, warm colors like yellow or light pink.
• Sadness: Cool, deep colors like blue or grey.
• Anger: Intense colors like red or dark pink.
• Surprise: Vibrant accents with unexpected contrasts.
Think of a time you felt one of these emotions. What colors come to mind?
Use this slide to discuss various emotions. Ask guiding questions like 'What does happiness look like?' and 'How do you feel when you are sad?' Encourage students to share examples. Introduce images with associated color cues.
Get Ready to Create Your Mask
Now, it’s time to get creative! Use the ideas from our discussion to design a mask that expresses an emotion. Choose colors that match your mood and let your creativity shine.
This slide serves as the bridge to the art activity. Highlight that students will transform these emotions into expressive masks. Remind them to focus on how different colors and shapes can represent different feelings.
Activity
Mask-Making Activity
This activity guides you through the creation of an expressive mask, allowing you to explore and depict a range of emotions through art. Use the materials provided and follow the instructions carefully to craft a mask that represents an emotion uniquely and creatively.
Materials Needed:
- Paper or cardstock to form the base of the mask
- Markers, crayons, or paint for coloring
- Glue or tape to secure elements
- Decorative items like glitter, fabric scraps, or stickers
Steps and Guidelines:
1. Planning Your Mask
- Think about an emotion that you want to express (e.g., happiness, sadness, anger, surprise).
- Decide which colors, patterns, and shapes best represent this emotion for you.
- Sketch your preliminary ideas on a paper before starting your final design on the mask.
2. Creating the Mask
- Forming the base: Start by cutting out the shape of the mask from paper or cardstock. Make sure it fits comfortably on your face or can be worn with a string.
- Decorating: Use markers, paint, and decorative materials to express your chosen emotion. Think about how bold colors or soft shades can influence the feeling conveyed.
- Personal Touch: Add unique details like textures or patterns that are meaningful to how you experience the emotion.
3. Reflecting on Your Creation
- Write a brief description of the emotion you chose and explain how your mask's design represents this feeling.
- Consider the following reflective questions:
- What elements of your mask stand out the most, and why?
- How do the colors and shapes you chose connect to the emotion you are expressing?
- Did you try any new techniques or ideas? What did you learn from this process?
- What elements of your mask stand out the most, and why?
4. Sharing and Discussion
- Be ready to share your mask with peers and explain the emotional story behind it.
- Listen to your classmates’ descriptions; notice the different ways emotions can be represented uniquely by everyone.
- Engage in a discussion led by your teacher to explore how different art choices convey different feelings.
Teacher Tips:
- Circulate around the room during the activity to provide support and ask probing questions that encourage deeper reflection on their artistic choices.
- Use the associated Slide Deck for Emotion Exploration to inspire students with visual references.
- Reinforce that all expressions of emotion through art are valued – creativity has no limits!
Happy creating and exploring your feelings through art!