Sixth Grade: Symmetrical Paper Masks

The sixth graders made two masks using different techniques.  Before starting our projects we looked at masks from different cultures and talked about reasons for mask making, materials used to create masks and abstract/realistic design.  For this project we also focused on symmetry and negative/positive shapes.

The students started the project by making a simple symmetrical pencil sketch.  The instructions were to fill the page and use large simplified shapes for the features.  The design was cut in half and transferred to a half sheet of construction paper.  The shapes were cut out and placed onto a full sheet of contrasting paper.  Alternating shapes were flipped and glued down to the opposite sides of the center line which created negative and positive shapes.