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Year 5

Surface decoration and completion of a mask

I can use surface decoration to enhance the visual impact of a mask sculpture.

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 5

Surface decoration and completion of a mask

I can use surface decoration to enhance the visual impact of a mask sculpture.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Surface decoration enhances the visual appeal and meaning of a mask.
  2. Different textures and patterns can be created using various tools and materials, such as paint, fabric, and beads.
  3. The choice of colours, textures, and patterns should reflect the theme of the mask (e.g. cultural or mythical).
  4. Surface decoration techniques include layering, brushing, gluing, and adding 3D elements like beads or fabric.

Keywords

  • Surface decoration - The process of adding patterns, textures, and colours to the exterior of an object to enhance its visual impact.

  • Pattern - A repeated decorative design used to create visual interest.

  • Contrast - The difference between elements such as colours or textures that makes them stand out.

  • Symbol - A mark or character used to represent an idea, object, or relationship.

Common misconception

Adding too many decorations will make the mask too busy or overwhelming.

It’s important to find balance in the mask’s design. Decoration can enhance the mask and highlight specific areas, such as the eyes or mouth, without overcrowding the mask’s overall look. Less can be more in some areas.


To help you plan your year 5 art and design lesson on: Surface decoration and completion of a mask, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage students to focus on balance in their decoration. Remind them that adding too many elements can overwhelm the mask. Guide them to think about what the mask represents and use texture and colour to highlight specific features and symbols.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Masks (pre-made or templates). Paints, brushes, sponges. Coloured markers or pencils. Decorative materials (e.g., sequins, fabric scraps, feathers, beads, yarn, etc.). Glue, scissors, tape.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Layering is the process of building up materials in successive layers to create __________ in a sculpture
space and colour
line and tone
Correct answer: depth and interest
Q2.
True or False? Texture is the surface quality or feel of an object, which can be smooth, rough or bumpy
Correct answer: True
Fakse
Q3.
Understanding texture and form is crucial in adding __________ to each mask
colour and shape
Correct answer: details and uniqueness
length and height
Q4.
True or False? A single thick layer of modroc will create a strong sculpture.
True
Correct answer: False
Q5.
Why add patterns to masks?
To cover the mask entirely with the same design
To make the mask look messy
Correct answer: To add visual interest and enhance the mask's theme
Q6.
Surface __________ techniques include layering, brushing, gluing, and adding 3D elements like beads or fabric
painting
Correct answer: decoration
drawing
etching

Exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Surface decoration is:
Correct answer: the process of adding patterns, textures, and colours to a surface
the process of adding patterns, textures, and colours to an interior
the process of adding patterns, textures, and colours to a mask
Q2.
The difference between elements such as colours or textures that makes them stand out is known as:
texture
line
Correct answer: contrast
Q3.
Which of the following materials could you use to create texture on your mask?
pencils
marker pens
Correct answer: beads, fabric and glue
Q4.
When choosing colours for your mask, which of these is an important consideration?
Correct answer: ensuring the colours reflect the theme or meaning of the mask
only using black and white
choosing random colours that are easy to paint