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.
Clay Hippo, Grade Four
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.
Clay Pig, Grade Four
Clay Truck, Grade Four
Clay Elephant, Grade Four