5th Grade Masks! Our 5th graders are finishing up their masks this week, and they're looking terrific! We studied different masks from around the world, and were mostly inspired by African, Asian, Native American, and European masks. The students noticed the masks were symmetrical, had geometric and organic shapes, and although they varied from culture to culture, they still had much in common! Here are a few of the examples we looked at, of masks from around the world! Materials: 12x18" piece of construction paper (We like Tru-Ray the best!) Ticonderoga Pencils scissors Elmer's glue sticks feathers Day 1: Looked at masks for inspiration. Then I have the students fold their pieces of construction paper with me, so I know they're folding them correctly. Then I show them how to draw a line from the top to the bottom to create the outline of their mask. After they have the desired shape, they cut it out and start adding features to their mask. I stress the importance of making their mask symmetrical, by folding their scrap paper and cutting out 2 things at once, to put on each side. I also stress the importance of layering paper, and how that looks so much better than just gluing on one thing! For instance, take a look at my example, especially the eyes...I layered 3-5 pieces of paper to make the eyes alone! I complete them by adding a tiny piece of white paper to add that extra little element, that makes them look even better! Day 2: Continue to glue on details and staple one or each end of the mask, to make them a more 3-d. They can also add crimped paper or feathers to the top or bottom to add some finishing touches! I think the more they add, the better they look! Here are some of our works in progress! Nate & Annlee Katherine James Magnus Betzy Skyler Haleigh Evan