Message from mkang

[Anonymous]

I ran short on time this year so I didn't do this activity. Usually I do a mask activity for each unit that we study (7th grade history). This is a really good activity for Chinese opera masks. It also integrates well with language arts. Character traits are emphasized between 6th and 7th grade in the language arts standards. The colors are representative of human character traits. When a mask is clicked on, it enlarges and includes a description of the meanings of the colors. I have had my students start in the computer lab by looking at the site making rough sketches and notes on the mask that appeals to them. In class with pastels and construction paper, they recreate their mask and attach a summary card to it that includes the name of the mask and details about its colors. This could be adapted for all levels of students. Its a very good ESL activity. Gifted learners could also include further research on the Beijing Opera. They could also take the meanings of the colors from Chinese Opera masks and create their own mask.