Every year, I teach a mask unit to the 3rd graders. It's one of my faves. There is a lot of buy in from the kids- they are so excited when I drop the word clay- and they'll do just about anything I ask, knowing that mask making is upon us. In various years, I've presented a variety of themes; this year, my theme was... no theme. Yep, I didn't make any requirements such as animal theme, or Day of the Dead Skulls- no requirement other than they had to choose a feeling, or a main idea, and their work would support their idea by shape, color, texture, etc. A lot of choice. We did practice sketches, talked about various ways they might approach this, and looked at a lot of masks, discussing the first reaction those masks gave us. When it was time to paint, I again offered choice. One side of the room was reserved for acrylic paint, the other for the oil pastel/black paint resist technique floating around pinterest lately. And, finally, I had wire, pipe cleaners, feathers, beads and sparkles available.
Thoughts? I am fried. This was a lot to manage. It's not for the faint of heart.
Did all students succeed? Well- hmmm. Not all of the masks were pretty, or well done. Many students should have spent more time on their painting (but that's usually the case). BUT- my kids are delighted. They love their creations. They were so excited to take them home, and I didn't settle one argument about who did which mask. They simply knew their work- they were attached. And dying to see their masks at every stage. There's a lot to be said for that.
Will I do this level of choice all the time? I'm not sure. Will I increase the opportunities for choice? You bet!
