On our districts art curriculum pacing guide, 2nd graders are to create a mask. I tried to come up with something more original rather than just a typical African mask because masks are used in many different cultures. On tradition celebrated right here in the states: Mardi Gras! I found a fabulous power point online that was informational about the traditions of Mardi Gras- and all was appropriate for elementary discussion :) Rex is the king, the colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold, the colors all are symbolic, parade traditions, krewes', king cake, and of course masks! The students LOVED this presentation and were really into the information. I mean what kid wouldn't get excited about parades, masks, and cake!? I even found the 'doubloons' that are the coins that Rex throws from the parade floats at the dollar store and gave each of my students one.
So about the masks! The masks are made from "sculpt a mold" a paper mache material that all major art catalogs carry, and we used plastic mask molds. I was at first worried about the sculpt a mold sticking to the inside of the plastic mask, because this material does adhere itself easily to other things, but they popped right out. I let the students paint them with tempera and acrylic paints, only green, gold, and purple. Finally students got the opportunity to embellish their masks using sequins and feathers, as many of the masks for mardi gras are decorated in feathers!!!! Enjoy the results, and as always check out artsonia for more examples!