Making Masks

What you need: 

• tempera paints 
• water  
• paintbrush  
• hole punch  
• safety scissors   
• glue  
• paper plates  
• yarn  
• markers  
• glitter 

What to do:

1. Talk with your child about her favorite animals and explain that she can make an animal mask. She can refer to a picture of a real animal to help make her mask. 
2. Give your child a paper plate to use as the base.
3. Measure where the eyeholes will go, and cut out the holes for your child, making them large enough so that she can see safely.
4. Encourage your child to paint, draw, and use a variety of materials to design her mask. 
5. After the decorations have dried, attach a large craft stick to the bottom of the mask so she can hold it up to her face. 
6. Invite her to dramatize a favorite story. 

Learning benefits: 

• Develops fine motor skills 
• Encourages creativity   
• Promotes pretend play