Theme: Mask-making Magic

Preschoolers

by LearnX Arts

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Mask-making has a rich and diverse history, spanning various cultures and civilizations, each with its own distinct traditions. These masks are often used in traditional theater or cultural ceremonies to represent characters from folklore or historical figures. For young children, mask-making encourages creativity as they design and decorate their own unique masks, prompting them to think imaginatively and make artistic choices. Using these masks, children can engage in imaginative play, taking on different roles and characters to act out scenes and stories—an activity that fosters creativity, social skills, and emotional development.

 

Lily's Cat Mask
By Julie Fortenberry
Publisher: New York, New York: Viking, 2017.
Section: Early Literacy Picture Books
Call No.: English FOR

 

Making Masks
By Toby Reynolds
Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
NLB Overdrive Link: https://nlb.overdrive.com/library/kids/media/3602260

 

Masquerade Party
By Giuliano Feri
Publisher: Hong Kong: Minedition, 2020
Section: Early Literacy Sense & Sensations
Call No.: English FER

 

Craft A 3-D Mask!: And More Art Challenges
By Megan Borgert-Spaniol
Publisher: Minneapolis, Minnesota: Super Sandcastle, an imprint of Abdo Publishing, 2021
Section: Junior Collection Non-Fiction
Call No.: English 745.5 BOR

 

Making mask-making fun for children involves adding an element of enjoyment and creativity to the activity.

Here are several ways to make mask-making more enjoyable: 

 

 

  • Select themes that resonate with children's interests, such as animals, superheroes, fantasy creatures, or favorite storybook characters. This can make the activity more engaging and personalised.
  • Encourage  children to add personal touches to their masks, such as their favorite colors or unique designs.
  • Incorporate music and movement, encouraging children to move and dance both while creating and wearing their masks. 
  • Provide a variety of colorful construction paper, markers, stickers, feathers, sequins, and other decorative items to decorate the masks. Consider using recycled items wherever possible! Children can unleash their creativity with a wide range of materials. 

 

  • Break down the mask-making process into simple and interactive steps. Demonstrate each step before letting the children try it themselves, offering assistance only when needed.
  • Discuss the emotions or facial expressions they want to portray with their masks. This can be a great opportunity for them to express themselves.
  • Every child's mask will be unique! Encourage them to embrace their individuality and creativity.

 

 

Paper Plate Animal Masks For Kids

Video duration: 1:10 

abbEASY. (2020, October 23). Paper plate animal masks for kids [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIkQi-_mOGk

 

UNICORN | Mask Paper Craft | Fast-n-Easy | DIY Labs
 
Video duration: 1:12 

DIY Labs I Crafts, Food Art, Life Hacks & more. (2019, May 30). UNICORN | Mask Paper Craft | Fast-n-Easy | DIY Labs [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC2F-CKg8D4

Paper Plate Mask -- Easy Kids Craft with Recyclable Materials
 
Video duration: 0:32

Kids Activities. (2015, August 11). Paper Plate Mask -- Easy Kids Craft with Recyclable Materials [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtBSMRga6Ts

  • References

    References:

    1. Falk, D. (2018, June 24). Making Cardboard Masks with Kids. Retrieved from https://artfulparent.com/making-cardboard-masks-kids/

    2. Van, F. (2018, June 5). Masking Your Child’s Imagination - Fun Van supported by First Things First. Fun Van Supported by First Things First. https://www.ajpl.org/funvan/2018/06/masking-your-childs-imagination/

    3. Educator. (2018, October 18). The benefits of using masks in the classroom. The Educator K/12. https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/the-benefits-of-using-masks-in-the-classroom/256321