Art Lesson Plan

Title: Symmetrical African Mask Unit: African Art

Grade level (s): 3-6 Medium: Construction paper
Suggested Time: 2 forty-five minute class periods

Instructional Objectives (2-3):
1) Students will use tools appropriately and safely (KS)
2) Students will recognize and accept diverse cultures and art. (KS)

Elements of Art (1-3) In this lesson we used: color, shape, and space.

Principles of Design (1-3) In this lesson we used: balance, contrast, and unity.


Materials and Equipment:
1) Many colors of 8x11 and 4x11 construction paper
2) White School glue
3) Pencils
4) Erasers

Vocabulary (4-5):
1) Symmetry
2) Mask
3) Two-Dimensional
4) Ceremony

Art Production (based on Madeline Hunter model)
1.anticipatory set 2. state objectives 3. Input: art history, instructions 4.demonstration, modeling
5. check for understanding 6. guided practice 7. independent practice 8. closure

1) Bring in African mask and display how it is used. Pass it around(Use best
judgment.)
2) Today we will be making a symmetrical African mask Discuss objectives
(above) and show example.
3) Show images in books/videos/media of masks in use.
4) Demonstrate making the mask step by step.(Modeling)
a. Explain how facial features need to reach the left edge of the small paper.
b. Demo drawing of the face
c. Demo cutting out facial features
d. Demo glue process.
5) Ask if they understand after every demonstration. While they are performing the
step, walk around and check.
6) After each step let the students perform the step themselves while you walk
around and check. (Guided practice)
7) Once all of the step by step parts are finished, let the students cut, glue, and add
any final touches as they wish with the remaining time before clean up.
(Independent practice.)
8) Have the class show each other their masks by holding them up or volunteering
to talk about his/her mask. Ask about favorite part of the process. Offer a sneak
peak of the next class period and next project.
Art History / Resources (2-4):
Have books on all of the tables with examples of masks for students to gain inspiration
from. Include here books title and author. Also consider adding a video as an example
of a mask ceremony. Link would also be included here.





Aesthetic Questions (1-2):
Philosophical questions go here. Ex: Why do we wear masks on Halloween? Are masks
art? Are functional things art?



Art Criticism / Analysis Questions (3-5):
Look an ask questions about the pieces of art. Ask about the process. What they do/do
not like about it. Offer your own constructive opinions.






Evaluation Criteria (should relate to objectives):

Rubric or portfolio depending on age of students.






Modifications / Special Notes / Drawing