Clay Critter Bank Sculptures

Submitted by: Meghan Yarnell
Art teacher at Perrysburg Junior High
Title of Lesson: Clay Critter Banks
Grade level: 5th-7th grade

Goals / Objectives:

1.) Students will learn basic clay vocabulary by completing participation activities daily.
2.) Students will learn how to create a pinch pot, slab and coil through teacher demonstration and creation.
3.) Learn the difference between functional and decorative art by completing participation.

Materials Needed:

• Moist Clay (Could also use Polymer Clay)

• Canvas Rolls

• Clay Needle Tool

• Slip

• Rolling Pins

• Clay Texture Tools

• Glazes

• Brushes

• Animal pictures

Lesson Description:

Day 1:
Review the rubric. Have the students complete front and side view sketches of their projects.

Click on the images on this page for full size.

Day 2:
Teacher will demonstrate how to make a pinch pot and how to score and slip. Students will create two pinch pots and attach them together.

Day 3:
Teacher will demonstrate how to make coil and slab body parts for the banks. The students will work on this while the teacher walks around and cuts coin slots out of the banks. I let the students make "extras" for their animals, like hats and bows.

Day 4:
Teacher will demonstrate how to create texture on clay using buttons, nails and tools. Students will add details and texture. Students will put their initials on the bottoms of the products and put them out to dry.

Day 6 (about a week later):
Demonstrate how to use the Underglazes. Show them how to do mishima by putting glaze into the scratches and wiping it away with a sponge. Students will glaze their projects.

Day 7:
Demonstrate how to apply the overglaze. -Students will finish the underglaze and apply two coats of overglaze.

Assessment(s):

See rubric

Book: Creating Life-Like Animals in Polymer Clay - From bluebirds to basset hounds, crafters will find ten charming projects for creating a range of happy creatures in Polymer Clay. Includes complete steps and precise measurements to ensure success. 438 illustrations. 397 in color.

Book: The Art of Handbuilt Ceramics - With the aid of clear instructions and step-by-step photos, the novice learns all the traditional handbuilding and glazing methods.