1st Grade Cut Paper Masks

As part of the MCPS 1st grade Curriculum, we made cut paper masks.  Students learned a number of paper techniques useful for many art activities.  One of the most important techniques involves folding the paper in half.  There are two ways to use folded paper: 
            1. To make one, large, symmetrical shape, in this case, the head or base of the mask; and
            2. To cut two identical shapes, for example the eyebrows.
Students also learned to fold accordion-style folds and cut the folds for hair.  Also, the technique of curling paper came in handy for hair. 

The other important aspect of this lesson was to depict an emotion in the mask.  Students chose from a number of emotions: happy, scared, angry, or peaceful, and then chose colors they felt represented that emotion.  The mask was decorated in ways to further illustrate their chosen emotion.