This project introduces students to a variety of hand building techniques. It is best for them to have a basic knowledge and some experience with clay, though it is not essential. The key to this lesson is the clay. If the clay is too moist, students will have a tough time getting their piece to stay upright and in shape. However, if clay is too dry the slab will crack as you try to stand it. Remember to keep templates small as larger cylinders are more challenging.

Materials:

Clay (about 1-2 lbs. per student), Slip in containers, Paintbrushes
Exacto knives & Blades, Canvas, Rolling Pins, Clay tools: Sponges, Wooden and plastic smoothers and textures
Paper and pencils, Cardboard Rectangular templates
Glaze

Prep: Measure out and cut cardboard templates. I use old cardboard pop can boxes. The sides of these boxes are thin for flexibility and are already in a rectangular shape so templates can be made of one solid piece. Make sure to test your templates to ensure you are creating an appropriate sized mug. Also cut apart clay lumps for each student, making sure all are given equal amounts to work with initially.

Introduce students to clay techniques with a demonstration. The main mug is made of a slab, so students will need to practice rolling out a slab for their piece. Show the rectangular templates and explain how to make an appropriate sized slab. Sides should still be a finger in width. The base will also need rolled but should be a circular shape.
Have students roll their parts and attach the mug sides to the base. Allow some initial smoothing but then have the students allow their mug to set up.
In the spare time have students sketch animals, reiterate using simple shapes to create clear features.
Add animal features to mugs with coil and slab techniques. Handles can be added if you wish.
Allow to dry completely, fire and glaze as appropriate.

Adaptations: Allow advanced students to create their own templates, create a set of mugs and add more texture.

This lesson is intended as a introduction to handbuilding techniques. Initially taught to multiple groups of fourth graders with no experience in clay construction. These simple instructions can be adapted to much more advanced students if texturing and decoration are added to lesson guidelines.

Materials:

Clay (even air dry or model magic can be used depending on space and available facilities)
Plastic and/or wooden tools
Small cups with slip and/or water
Scratch paper and Pencils

1. Begin with an introduction to drawing animals, focus on generalizing animals in geometric shapes. Starting with larger shapes for body and adding smaller shapes for appendages.

2. Have children start by drawing some examples of their own animals. As you can see in the pictures provided, some students will change subject matter. This is not essential to the project as long as they maintain strong geometric representation in their drawings.

3. Next do a quick demonstration of clay construction. (For younger classes I skip wedging and focus on making pieces no thicker than thumb width, attaching with slip and scoring and adding coil support to seams.) Begin with large geometric shape for body, just as your sketch practice illustrates, adding smaller shapes and details to this central piece.

4. In demonstration, hit on key construction tips for creating a 3-dimensional piece. Strong support in base layer & creating features and additions that gradually reduce in size. Hollowing pieces of clay to make them lighter is also a good technique to touch upon, but be sure to watch for students attaching balloon pieces, which will explode in the kiln. As a last resort, remember that propping pieces up with extra tools and sponges can allow the piece some aid in drying.

5.. Allow students to begin their own construction, pass out wedged and measured pieces of clay to keep students from creating pieces that are too large. Continue to circulate and keep students focused on key steps of construction.

6. After construction, when pieces have dried completely, fire in bisque kiln to appropriate temperature. Finish with glazing lesson or use paint. Be sure to coat painted pieces with an acrylic sealant spray to keep finish from chipping or flaking off.