In the Eye of the Tiger

Tiger poems and stories seem almost real when you make this mask. Decorate it with authentic tiger markings.

• 1.

  Read about tigers as they are described in stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Look closely at pictures of tigers' interesting stripes and markings. Why are tigers marked this way?

• 2.

  To create your own decorative mask (for display, rather than to wear), begin by sketching a tiger's head, stripes, and facial features, such as whiskers, with Crayola® Washable Markers. Use Crayola Scissors to cut out the head.

• 3.

  Flatten white Crayola Model Magic until it is as large as your sketch. Place your sketch on top of the Model Magic. Trace around the facial shape with a marker. Cut out the tiger mask.

• 4.

  Crumple up recycled newspaper to place under the mask to give it a 3-D, rounded shape. Form ears and other facial features from Model Magic. Add or trim as needed.

• 5.

  Add a hanging loop on the back of your mask by attaching a thick coil of Model Magic to the upper edge. Dry.

• 6.

  Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Paint your mask with Crayola Tempera Paints and Brushes. Look closely at your sketch and pictures of tigers' faces to make it authentic. Dry and display! When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks make

Benefits

• Students read about tigers in both fiction and nonfiction, poetry and prose.
• Students study tiger markings in photographs of living tigers.
• Children create a sculptural mask reflecting their knowledge of tiger markings.

Adaptations

• Match the literature and research requirements with students' abilities. Students with physical challenges may require adaptive technology or a partner to complete their masks.
• Create all of the characters of the tiger story or poem that you read to begin this project. Then make your own adaptation of the story, using those characters.
• Create a complete tiger sculpture by studying the rest of a tiger's body and forming it with Model Magic®. Position the tiger in a realistic pose.
• Write and illustrate your own tiger poetry. Watch tigers as they move, either on videos or at a zoo.
• Find out about different types of tigers, where they live, and whether any are endangered. Design to-scale sculptures of each type of tiger.