The Kosslyn 4: Generate, retain, inspect and transform

4^th Grade Masks:

Generate  - We view art prints, power point presentations, previous student examples and a short video about masks.  We discuss the role of masks in various cultures.  I demonstrate how we will use paper mache (sometimes plaster) to cover a form and we discuss ways that the form could be built up/ changed.  I allow the students to sift through boxes of miscellaneous materials that they have available to use for the project.

Retain – The students sketch out their ideas in their sketchbooks.  They also list possible materials to use for embellishment.  If time allows, they add color to the sketches to further plan out the finished piece.   They will use the sketch as a blueprint to begin the construction of the mask.  I will ask the students to show me their plans when they need help. 

Inspect – Once the students begin working with the materials, they may need to re-visit their plan.  The idea may need to be re-worked if the 3-dimensional interpretation is not evolving the way the student planned it.  If a student is having trouble with the construction, it is often a teachable moment – a way to interject new ideas for constructing pieces out of materials such as tagboard and foil.  The students can offer suggestions to each other as to the methods that seem to work best for them.

Transform – The plan or idea is only the beginning.  I love it when students have an “aha” moment and choose to use a new material to suit their creative purposes.  The colors may need to change, the materials can be altered, the final presentation can be refined in a different way.  When the mask unit is complete, the students fill out an artist statement that tells about their idea, the purpose of the mask, the materials used and their personal reflection about the finished piece.