Clay

Grade: 3

Colorado Academic Standards (6 grade):

th

Standard 2.1.a Use peer feedback to inform next steps and improve works of art and design.
Standard 2.2.b Envision solutions to artmaking problems.
Standard 3.1.c Determine whether a work of art is finished.
Standard 4.1.a Investigate how visual art and design can make connections between subjects,
disciplines or events.

Big Idea(s):
Clay
Three-Dimensional Art

Enduring Understandings:
Developing craft in their materials.
Reflect on creation using the language of visual art and design.
Observe and Envision creations using experimentation.

Essential Questions:
How is working with clay different than working with other 2D materials?
How are you envisioning your work?
How are you going to build your clay creation?
What are some things you can try if you get stuck or frustrated?

Daily lesson objectives:

Artists will experiment with clay so they can effectively build a sculpture.
Artists will determine if their artwork is finished by glazing or painting.

Activity:
Through observation and experimentation, students will create a small clay sculpture/object. The
second day, the students will glaze or paint their clay to make it display ready.

Content Integration:
Math: judging thickness of walls, the height and weight of the structures.
Literacy: being able to explain artistic process

Pre-Assessment:
Have students show how they hold tools, and handle the clay. Are they doing it safely?

Success Criteria:
Students will have a clay creation that is ready to be fired at the end of the day.
Students will have a painted/glazed piece that is ready for display.

Post-Assessment:
Assess technique during the project.
Accommodations and Modifications:
Students may need help wedging the clay. All students in the class are capable of using clay.
Students may need extra support if they become frustrated.

Visuals:
Pinch pots
Coils

Supplies and equipment:

Clay, rolling pins, canvas, toothbrush, water

Safety concerns:
Paint/glaze can stain clothes and skin, spills. Clay dust can be inhaled. Students may become
frustrated.

Teaching procedure:

Beginning
Students come in and sit on the floor. After everyone is done with the introduction, I will
explain/demonstrate the activity and show examples.
Students are motivated by experimenting with clay.

Questions
How is working with clay different than working with other 2D materials?
How are you envisioning your work?
How are you going to build your clay creation?
What are some things you can try if you get stuck or frustrated?

Instruction/demonstration
Reminder of how we respect materials and how to properly handle clay and clay tools.

Middle---Student Creating Phase

I will be walking around the room to assess student progress and help them troubleshoot if they
have problems. If many students are having issues with proper handling of materials or are
unclear on the instructions, further demonstration may be needed.

Supply distribution –
Clay will be handed out and controlled by the teacher.

End---Closure
Give a 15-minute notice to complete finishing touches. Give 10-minute warning to start cleaning
up, give about 5 minutes for cleanup with a audio cue, wet clay will go on the shelf.

Time: Teacher: Students:

0-5 Lines students up at the door. Explains that we are going to Enter the room and sit
go sit on the floor and listen to instructions. on the floor, ready for
instruction.

5-10 5-minute demonstration about the project. Model the Listen to instructions
activity, use of materials and ask students where they want to and ask questions if
work. Instruct students on how to properly distribute and needed.
handle materials.

10-25 Assess student activity, help students if needed, provide Create, observe, learn.
further instruction if needed.

20-25 Wrap-up activity, ask questions. Wrap up finishing

touches, begin cleanup
if needed.

25-30 Help students cleanup. Cleanup and line up.