check for understanding

Check for understanding by asking, “Who was listening closely that can sum up what we are doing today?” Make sure that student artists can list all the steps and clarify anything that needs clarifying.

• Adding plaster-strips over their mask by first dipping it in water, then smoothing it over their mask.
• Paying careful attention to the edges.
• Adding 1-2 layers, in order to completely cover their mask

independent

The students work independently on their work as the teacher circulates. Foster strong work habits by commenting on student artists who are focused on their work as well as student artists who seem to be pushing themselves to try new things.

FOCUS ON CRAFTSMANSHIP.

The focus of this lesson is on craftsmanship; focus your observations on students smoothing out their plaster strips and paying attention to the edges and shapes of their armature.

students discuss the artistic decisions that they made

Use 'what, how, and why' and then take comments or questions.

Depending on the teacher’s style of classroom management, it might be helpful to only choose and train a few kids to clean. The rest of the class can be busy with the presentation. Make sure to train these helpers well in advance so that you aren’t left with a messy room.

Clean-up times will vary with materials; get to know your class and allow 5-10 minutes depending on how efficient they are and whether or not the material was messy.

Choose presenting student artists in advance and let them know during their work time so that they are prepared.

Sharing should work as follows:

• Student stands by their work. A teacher should hold it, or place it on an easel.
• The student presents their work, answering What they made, How they made it, and Why they made the decisions that they did. When they are done they ask, “Any comments or questions?” and can take responses from the audience.
• A note on responses: it is o.k. if an audience member questions or wants clarification from the artist. It is also o.k. if an audience member makes suggestions. But it must be done in a kind, thoughtful, and respectful way.
• Always end the conversation by asking the class to give the artist a compliment.

anticipated problems

• If students did not use thick enough pieces of cardboard, or they did not make their pieces stand up enough, their works may appear flat and without detail. They have a couple of options to improve their piece:
• They can cover their base with plaster strips, first removing the small pieces. They can then wrap the small pieces individually and put them back down. As long as the plaster is still wet, it should hold. This works for details, too.
• Alternatively, they can build up features by crumpling plaster strips. As this uses up more plaster than the other methods, use it as a last resort.

early finishers

If a student finishes early, have them clean up in advance of the other students (this will help with clean-up at the end of class since it is a messy project). Then allow them to draw a picture showing how their mask would be used in their ceremony. They should consider whether there would be dancers, how the mask would be worn or used for decoration, and who, if anyone, is part of the audience or ritual.