Students learn about the history and culture of Mexico and its people through the art of the mask. Learning activities center around the story of the flag of Mexico & ancient Aztec culture, ancient pictographs of indigenous animals of the New World, and the Spanish influence after the landing of Cortez. Students are also briefly introduced to a modern holiday that ties the two cultures together–Dia de los Muertos. Throughout the program, students will work on the creation of a Paper Eagle Mask.

Required Materials:

Each student will need all of the following materials (ALL templates must be cut PRIOR to the program):

• 3 standard size pieces of HEAVY construction paper (to trace all templates provided in the study guide)
• 1 face
• 1 upper beak
• 1 lower beak
• 1 set of feathers
• 2 eyes
• scissors
• glue
• clear tape

Post program, You will punch holes and attach the string to the masks in the classroom. We will show you how to do it, but we will not do this during the program. You'll need hole punchers and strings of yarn at least 12 inches in length (one for each student).

About the Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts offers Distance Learning programs for PreK-12. Students are briefly introduced to different styles of puppets from around the world (1st grade and up). Students participate in learning activities about a topic and create a working puppet of their very own to use in the classroom. A comprehensive study guide and materials list is provided for each program. All puppet materials are easy to find and of little, if any, cost. Middle and High School programs are designed to encourage dialogue between the presenter and participating students. Teacher workshops and demos are also available. The Center for Puppetry Arts participates in MAGPI's Preferred Content Provider program, and provides MAGPI members a 15% discount on all of their programs.