Making Feelings Masks for Kids
Identify the feelings you want to teach and provide each child with the appropriate number of paper plates. Distribute markers and craft supplies so that children can reach a variety of supplies.
Have each child practice and then draw an appropriate face for each feeling identified. Encourage children to use a variety of colors, textures, shapes, etc to make their faces as creative as possible.
Punch holes on opposite edges of the plate (roughly where the ears of the face would be), and tie a piece of yarn through the holes. Be sure to measure the yarn first to make sure it is just big enough for the child's head.
If you are not comfortable using yarn, you can glue large tongue depressors to the bottoms of the mask so that they stick down and make a handle for the child. This is sometimes a better option for young children or those who have less motor coordination.
Play games with the faces by calling out a feeling and having the children put on that face. You an also have each child hold up one of his or her faces and have other children (or adults) guess what feeling it represents. Encourage your children to continue using their faces in dramatic and pretend play as they act out the parts of monsters, princes, explorers, princesses, etc.
