Distinct Dispositions

Distinct Dispositions lesson plan

Facial expressions are often the first clues to people’s moods. Create a mask that shows a Distinct Disposition.

  • 1.

    Break into small groups. Identify a mood that kids your age usually have, such as thrilled, worried, or puzzled. What adjectives describe the features on people’s faces when they’re in this mood? How do their eyes, mouth, and eyebrows look?

  • 2.

    Make a mask that shows the mood your group described. Sketch a large face and hair on paper with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. If you change your mind or make a mistake, they erase easily.

  • 3.

    Draw large eyes, a nose, mouth, and other facial parts that show a Distinct Disposition. Cut out the face and eye holes with Crayola Scissors.

  • 4.

    Cover your art area with newspaper. Color the face and hair with Crayola Oil Pastels. Blend and polish the pastel colors with your finger or a bit of paper towel. Don’t they feel luxurious?

  • 5.

    On separate paper, draw and color accent pieces such as glasses, a tiara, or a baseball cap. Cut them out and attach them to your mask with a Crayola Glue Stick.

  • 6.

    Add details such as tears, diamonds, or sparkling eyes with Crayola Glitter Glue. Air-dry the glue.

  • 7.

    If you want to wear the mask, punch holes on each side of the mask. Thread elastic through the holes and knot.

Benefits

  • Students realize that facial expressions often reveal the emotions a person is feeling.
  • Students recognize that a mask can hide the real feelings or identity of a person.
  • Students create a mask that shows details of a distinct disposition.

Adaptations

  • Students with special needs may benefit from discussing pictures of different facial expressions or observing themselves in mirrors as they change their expressions. They may also need assistance in cutting out the eyes on their masks.
  • Display all the masks and try to identify the moods expressed in each. Group them by mood. What are the similarities? Differences?
  • Put on a skit about moods and dispositions.
  • Create exaggerated clown faces to tell a story.