Suffolk Reporter

Fifth-grade students at the William Floyd Learning Center (WFLC) recently engaged in a creative exercise called "The Masked Musician." Drawing inspiration from the television show "The Masked Singer," this activity allowed students to craft masks in art class and perform for their peers, who then guessed the identity of each performer.

The initiative was developed by WFLC music teacher, Allison Prestia. She explained her motivation: "Our fifth graders love to perform, but some would be shyer than others. I thought if they were hidden behind something they may not be as reserved, which seemed to resonate with the students."

Students started the project by imagining their mask designs and then constructing them in Sandra Bretton’s art class. The creative process involved using paper mâché over a beach ball to form the mask bases, followed by customizing them with various materials.

Alongside mask creation, students in their music class selected songs to perform. They worked collaboratively with classmates, engaging in singing, playing instruments, and dancing. On performance day, with their fears masked, the students delivered their performances successfully to the WFLC community.

The project proved to be a valuable creative outlet that also enriched the students’ educational experience. Mrs. Prestia noted, "Having students being able to express themselves using the arts gives them confidence and perseverance that has reverberated throughout the rest of their schoolwork." She expressed appreciation for the supportive WFLC staff and students who contributed to the activity’s success.