Chinese Dragon Mask Lesson Plan

Art Lesson
Chinese Dragon Mask
Grades 2-4

Resources: teacher exemplar

Materials: cut construction paper strips, markers, paper plates, craft sticks, glue, stapler, scissors, staples, and construction paper.

Objectives: Student Will:
-create a Chinese dragon mask.
-collage papers to create a 3-d composition.
-choose a color scheme.
-learn about Chinese culture.

Procedure:
Day 1: Student will choose his/her pre- cut construction paper strips, and fan fold strips for added effect. Student will glue paper strips around the edges of the front of one plate. Student will glue the second paper plate to the first plate with the craft stick, handle in between. Teacher will staple for reinforcement. Student will draw and cut out "ruffly" part of head (to hide the plate) and glue to back of paper plates which are stuck together. Student will color dragon face coloring sheet with bright colored markers. He will cut out and glue to center of back of paper plates, on top of "ruffly" part. Student may add horns or bells or noise makers to the dragon puppet.

Alternative: Students glue face, strips, and “ruffly” part of the head to a sheet of construction paper as a collage composition.

Assessment: Rubric

Coloring Page Maker

Crayola.com has an online coloring page maker that is so easy to use, a 2nd grader could create his/her own coloring sheet after they finish their work! http://www.crayola.com/coloring-page-maker/

I Hate This Project!!!

Every so often I hear this from a student. Sometimes a group of students, sometimes a class! So what do I say to that? I generally try to listen to see why the student dislikes the project. Maybe they feel that their drawing skills aren't up to par, maybe they can't stop turning clay into mush with water, maybe they just have a short attention span. If the students struggle across the board, I try to adjust to meet their needs. If it is the same student who always complains, I take their criticism with a grain of salt.

Interesting Multicultural Lesson

I really liked the way this mandala is constructed using simple materials. It can also be used for a dreamcatcher project or a medicine wheel. http://www.saxarts.com/resources/lessonPlans/viewLessonPlan.jsp?lp=135

Directions Flow Chart

In art sometimes there are several steps to a project. Yes we can try to break it up, but if the steps are small already you can ask your students to make a directions flow chart to keep at their seat. This way they have both gone over the directions by hearing them, writing them, and seeing them. This gives students more independence.

Safety Tips

Safety is always a big concern for any teacher, as you are in charge of children. Here are some tips to help in the art room:

1. I have a big problem with students throwing materials to each other. If I catch a student throwing an eraser, he is no longer allowed to use an eraser. I have really had to teach the kids to pass supplies, get out of their seats and get them, or roll them. Another idea is to have several supply boxes around the table for easy reaching.

2. I have a big talk in the beginning of the year where I tell the kids about the paper cutter. I explain to them the dangers of it and show them that it is locked and chained (I went and bought the chain and lock last year with my own money).

3. I do not allow students in the kiln room (without me there)or near the kiln(never ever!). I show them the light that means that it is on and tell them about the dangers.

4. I practice fire drills with kids the first three weeks of school and routinely go over the procedures.