Mindful Mask Making

LaKeisha Thomas

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Mask Making

Foster self-awareness through art

In this creative session, students will design masks that represent their current emotions and the feelings they sometimes hide. This artistic expression fosters self-awareness and opens a dialogue about emotional complexity. The lesson helps students understand and express their emotions in a safe and creative way, promoting emotional intelligence and empathy.

Audience

Grades 4-6

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Foster self-awareness through art

Materials

Paper plates or mask templates, Markers, crayons, or colored pencils, Craft supplies (glue, scissors, etc.), Worksheet: Mask Design Guide, and Discussion: Emotional Reflection

Step 1

Introduction to Emotions

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion about emotions and how they can be complex and sometimes hidden.
Ask students to share some emotions they feel today.
Explain that they will create masks to represent these emotions.

Step 2

Mask Design Activity

20 mins

Distribute paper plates or mask templates and craft supplies.
Hand out the 'Mask Design Guide' worksheet to help students think about their designs.
Encourage students to use colors and symbols to express their emotions on the masks.
Walk around to provide support and encouragement.

Step 3

Reflection and Sharing

10 mins

Gather students in a circle to share their masks.
Use the 'Emotional Reflection' discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about the emotions represented.
Encourage students to talk about why they chose certain colors or symbols.

Worksheet

Mask Design Guide

This worksheet helps students plan their mask designs by considering the emotions they want to express and the colors or symbols that represent those emotions.

What emotion do you want to express with your mask?

Think about how you feel today or a feeling you often have.

What colors or symbols will you use to represent this emotion?

Consider colors that match the feeling or symbols that have meaning to you.

Discussion

Emotional Reflection

This discussion guide helps students reflect on their mask-making experience and the emotions they chose to express.

What emotion does your mask represent?

Encourage students to share openly and respect each other's feelings.

Why did you choose these colors or symbols?

Discuss how colors and symbols can convey different emotions.

How did it feel to express your emotions through art?

Explore the benefits of artistic expression for emotional awareness.