1. Mardi Gras masks

It is traditional to wear a mask on Mardi Gras Day. On this day people wear a mask

instead of a costume, or with a costume. For one day it is possible to be anonymous.

1.1 Material

• Colourful construction paper

• Feathers, gems, glitter

• Glue

• Elastic band

• It’s possible to use templates

1.2 Procedure and instructionsThe children craft their own Mardi Gras mask. Afterwards they wear them and it is

possible to imagine a walk through a genuine masked ball of New Orleans. The

pupils dress up in the classroom and then they have to make guesses who is who.

The children are allowed to ask questions. It is not so easy to identify the classmates,

because the masks hide the faces, which is a distinguishing feature.

1.3 Language pointsI think this is you, Chris.

That’s right. No, it’s false.

Are you Chris?

Yes, I am Chris. No, I am not Chris.

1.4 Cultural aspectsFor children it is easier to comprehend a masked ball when they can arrange it

themselves. It is so much fun to discover who is behind the costume and it is also

nice to see pupils get creative with their costumes and masks. The Mardi Gras

masks are important features of the festivity. The colours for the mask should be

purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. Maybe it’s possible to bring

some Mardi Gras atmosphere into the classroom.

1.5 Teaching aims

• Pupils should be able to ask their classmates, who they are.

• Pupils should be able to answer the classmates’ questions.

• Pupils should be able to craft their own Mardi Gras mask.

• Pupils should be able to arrange a masked ball.