Expressive Arts Lesson Plan

Group 2: Daneen Anderson, Aleisha Lopez, Richard Chi, Brianna Sabal, Melany Botes
Teaching Methods used:
Project-Based Learning
➔​ Collaboration/ Group Projects - working and learning together
➔​ Discussion - sharing and exploring ideas
➔​ Exhibition - showing and explaining work

Date: June 25, 2025

Time: 45 minutes
Class: Infant 2
Subject: ​Expressive Arts
Topic: Designing and Decorating Masks of Belizean Animals
Sub-topic: Designing and Decorating Masks

Materials: projector, laptop, Cardboard/ heavy paper, scissors, pencils, erasers, glue, crayons,
markers, paint, paint brushes, elastics, feathers, yarn, paper punch, pre-cut templates, and printed
pictures of Belizean animals.

References:
1.​ A-Z Animals. (2023, March 7). Belizean Animals.
https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/central-america/belize/
2.​ WikiHow. (2023, July 13). How to Make a Paper Mask.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Mask

Previous Knowledge: Students are familiar with common animals found in their Belizean
community, such as dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, pigs, cows, horses, iguanas, and parrots. They
can identify these animals and describe some of their basic features, like color, size, and sounds
they make.

Content Standard: Three-dimensional Art

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Learning Outcomes: EA 4.4 Design and decorate a mask of Belizean animals using cardboard
or any heavy paper.

Objectives: Given materials and group support, students will be able to:
●​ Design and decorate a mask depicting a Belizean animal that includes at least three
distinctive features.
●​ Verbally explain their masks' features and reasons for their artistic choices in a brief
group presentation.
●​ Reflect personally on the activity and share what they enjoyed most.

Concepts:
In Belize, there are many attractive animals like jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, toucans,
iguanas, manatees, and colorful fishes that live in the coral reefs. These animals are special
because they are unique to Belize and cannot be found in other places. People in Belize like to
learn about and celebrate these animals.

Steps to creating a basic mask shape using cardboard or heavy paper:

1)​ Cut Out the Mask: Assist the students in cutting along the outline of the mask shape
using safety scissors. Make sure they have proper guidance and supervision during this
step. Help them cut out eye holes where they want them to be on the mask.
2)​ Decorate the Mask: Give the students crayons, markers, feathers, or stickers to decorate
their masks. Encourage them to use bright colors and be creative. They can draw patterns
or add shapes.
3)​ Attach the Elastic: If the students want to wear their masks, help them attach the elastic
to the sides.
4)​ Try it on and have fun: Once the masks are completed, help students to try them on and
adjust the elastic if needed.

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Skills:
●​ Cutting along outlines.
●​ Decorating their masks using a variety of art tools.
●​ Solving problems they may face whilst creating their mask.
●​ Controlling art tools.

Attitudes:
●​ Attention to detail.
●​ Appreciation for arts and crafts.
●​ Appreciate the uniqueness of Belizean wildlife through creative art.
●​ Show respect for others’ ideas in a group project.

Linkages:
➔​ Belizean Studies (Wildlife in Belize): Recognizing native animals of Belize.
➔​ Language Arts: Oral presentations and descriptive language

Introduction (8 minutes):
-​ Students will sit in a circle to play “Animal Charades.”

-​ Start by showing a short video of Belizean animals before charades. This builds
excitement and visual recognition before acting starts.

-​ After watching the video on Belizean animals, each group will take turns acting out a
common animal found in their community, such as a chicken, dog, or pig, while the rest
of the class guesses. After each guess, the student who guessed correctly will describe
one physical feature of the animal (e.g., feathers, tail, sound).

The teacher will then guide a short discussion to connect these familiar animals to wild Belizean
animals (like tapirs or toucans), asking:

●​ What makes these animals different from the ones we see every day?
●​ Why do you think some animals are more special or rare?

Development (30 minutes):

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 ●​ Divide students into groups of 4 to complete the activity as a team.
●​ Show real pictures of Belizean animals (e.g, chicken, pig, toucan, tapir, dog, cat). Ask
students questions like:
-​ “Which of these animals have you seen before?”
-​ “What colors or patterns do they have?”
-​ “How do you think we could make a mask of one of these animals?”
●​ After viewing the images groups will decide and select an animal to create their masks
on. The teacher will provide a sample mask for groups to see what their work should look
like by the end of the class.
●​ Explain and demonstrate a step-by-step guide on how to create their mask:
1)​ Draw the shape of the animal’s face on cardboard.
2)​ Cut out the mask (teacher assists).
3)​ Add features like ears, nose, beak, or whiskers using paper shapes.
4)​ Decorate with crayons, paint, feathers, yarn, etc.
5)​ Punch holes and tie the elastic.

Differentiated activity: For students who may struggle with fine motor skills:
1.​ Provide a pre-cut mask template
2.​ Offer a coloring-only version where students decorate using crayons and stickers instead
of cutting and gluing.

●​ The teacher walks around and checks on groups that need help.

The teacher will ensure the following Safety procedures are followed during craft creations:
★​ Ensure students use child-safe scissors and only cut when seated.
★​ Remind students not to wave scissors or tools around.
★​ Ensure students are provided with non-toxic glue and paint only.
★​ Ensure students properly wash their hands after painting.
★​ The teacher will walk around to assist with cutting and punching holes.

Closure (5 minutes): Each group presents their completed mask. One student wears the mask
while the rest of the class guesses the animal. Afterward, the group explains the features they
included and how they created the mask.

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Conclusion (2 minutes): Using an oral summary discussion where students identify distinctive
patterns or features of Belizean animals seen in the masks.
Questions:
-​ What features did you include on your mask?
-​ Why are those important for identifying the animal?
-​ What did you enjoy most about making your mask?

Extended Activity: Assignment: Draw, color and name 4 animals seen frequently in your yard
or neighborhood. Write one sentence describing each animal.

Lesson Reflection / Evaluation:

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