Clay Creatures

3rd graders used their imagination and their knowledge of clay construction to build these clay creatures.  We started with a pinch pot shape and then added details using the additive technique (score and slip.)  

1st grade clay tiles

First graders learned about the art of clay tile making.  They used the additive technique to create a picture on a tile.  They could choose the picture that they wanted to make.  Some of them used their "old reliable schemas"  as the subject matter (hearts, smiley faces, etc).  Some took a more original approach.  Either way, they were all excited about the process and proud of their products.  We painted them with tempera paint (glaze gets so expensive!!)  and then I sprayed them with an enamel for shine.  

Mexican Suns

Kindergarten is studying art around the world.  Here, they examined the symbol of the sun in Latin art and made our own clay suns.  We painted them with tempera paint.  They started by rolling a piece of clay into a sphere, then flattening it into a pancake.  They cut out rectangles around the circle to create the rays.  

2nd grade Pinch Pots

There is no doubt that students love clay.  It is my favorite medium too! Students do not stop inquiring throughout the whole process.  I have never seen students so excited about a medium in art.  "Where does clay come from?"  "How does clay change?" How does glaze become shiny?" "When did people discover clay?"  I believe it is important to teach every part of the clay process because kids love it and it is a great science connection.  

For this project, students made pinch pots.  They learned about score and slip to add additive details.  The project was tied to an exploration of the form and function of the Plain of Jars in Laos.

Who We Are: Leaders in Art

A Keith Haring lesson afforded a great opportunity to teach figure drawing, as usual!  Students began this lesson by drawing a partner in several different poses, eventually creating a 3-d person using clay.  

How the World Works: How Art Works!

4th grade students examined the form and function of Egyptian Canopic jars.  Students created their own coil jar in the style of the Egyptian jars.  Some kids just kept building them taller and taller!