Habits of Mind

Develop craft –

Understand techniques and demonstrate that understanding.

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 Stretch and Explore –

Reach beyond the familiar and explore playfully.

 

Lots and lots

OF CLAY !

white clay – wet
whitewet

white clay – drying

whitedrying

white clay – dry

whitedrying2

red clay – drying

reddrying2

red clay – fired!

redfired

During the month of January children in first, second and third grades have been exploring the possibilities and limitations of clay focusing on using our hands as tools. We will continue to practice basic techniques for shaping balls, rolling coils, pinching pots and pressing slabs. Also, we are learning how to properly use and care for a variety of clay tools.

Week 1:  Explore:

Pinch, pat, pull apart, roll, and squish the clay together.

Using your hands, change the shape of the clay to show your idea.

Pass the “pick up” test.

Week 2 – Practice:

Draw different kinds of lines with a clay drawing tool.

Stamp designs with plaster and clay stamps.

Cut out shapes with metal shape cutters.

Explore textures with wooden tools.

Design a clay heart using the techniques above.

Pass the pick up test.

Week 3 – Assemble – parts to whole:

Envision an idea for a clay snowman, snowcat, bear or other animal.

Practice the “scratch and attach” technique.  (Scratch, scratch, wet, attach.)

Starting with balls and coils, model the body parts.

Assemble the parts together using “scratch and attach.”

Notice how parts put together make a whole object.

Pass the pick up test.

To be continued!!!