Celebratory Masks Reveal Interdisciplinary Learning

We can’t mask our joy at seeing the elaborate masks crafted by Pre-Primary students and 8th graders over the last several months. Each class came to the project independently, and we have been thrilled to see emergent and integrated curricula at their best, with the spark of inspiration manifesting in age-appropriate ways from our youngest learners to our student leaders. 

It all started back in October, when the entire school community gathered to watch a performance by Cultural Dance Center in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Led by instructors from Colombia, the dance troupe showed off impressive moves while wearing elaborate homemade animal headdresses in the style of Colombia’s Carnaval de Barranquilla.

Pre-Primary students were stunned! They immediately wanted to know more about these colorful masks, and, thanks to an emergent curriculum designed to follow students’ curiosities, our faculty were happy to oblige. Led by Pre-Primary School Director and Colombia native Nathalie, the next several months of art class were spent observing photos and videos of other Carnaval masks, selecting an animal for inspiration, and drafting a detailed plan of how to construct the mask. It was a great test of engineering and motor skills, as well as an in-depth tactile exploration, with students customizing foam and cardboard shapes and applying dozens of plaster strips by hand. “One student, he was always checking his plan to make sure every detail was where he wanted it,” said Nathalie. In the end, the mask he created represents everything he imagined. What a triumph! Our young learners even helped figure out how to attach their masks—the long crocodile snout now has a handle to distribute the weight!

Across campus in the Parkside Building, middle schoolers used a springtime Spanish class to learn about Carnival and how the festival is celebrated in different Spanish-speaking countries, including Costa Rica, where 8th graders will travel in May. Spanish teacher Patty’s introduction to the culture of the country inspired further exploration ahead of the capstone trip, tying in both science and art. “You’ll see different animals represented in each country’s Carnival celebrations, depending on the local fauna,” observed science teacher Angie. “So we decided to look at animals found in Costa Rica, specifically, so students could learn more about the country before they visit.” Students researched animals like red-eyed tree frogs, toucans, three-toed sloths, and ocelots to answer a key question: what adaptation has this animal developed to live and thrive in Costa Rica’s particular environment? Armed with this knowledge, 8th graders next set out to highlight these adaptations with Carnival-style masks. Art teacher Paul provided instruction on transforming a human face shape into one with a snout, beak, or wings using air-dry foam clay. Their imaginations soared, with the resulting masks showcasing every conceivable color and shape—even an eyelash viper mask styled with drag-queen flair! 

The mask mania continues beyond these classroom lessons. Patty and Angie adapted their Costa Rican masks for a booth at the recent STEAMfest, giving Primary School students a glimpse into the integrated curriculum that awaits them in Middle School. Pre-Primary and Middle School faculty are looking for a date on which their students can share their mask work with each other.