4th grade Clay fish dishes

 

4th grade clay dishes

Our 4th graders had so much fun turning simple clay into something “fin-tastic”! 🐟

We started with Crayola air-dry clay and learned how to create a basic pinch pot. From there, students carefully shaped their pots into fish dishes. Once the form was set, they sculpted details like eyes, tails, and fins, then used popsicle sticks and clay tools to carve beautiful scales and textures.

After letting their creations dry completely, the artists brought their fish to life with colorful acrylic paints. To finish them off, we added a glossy acrylic spray for that shiny, ceramic-like look.

It’s always amazing to see how each student starts with the same technique but ends up with a totally unique piece. So proud of their creativity and craftsmanship!

Pop art clay cupcakes 5th grade art lesson

 5th-grade Pop art clay cupcakes

Fifth graders explored Pop Art by studying the work of Wayne Thiebaud, Claes Oldenburg, and Andy Warhol.
To create their own Pop Art–inspired clay cupcakes, students began by forming a simple pinch pot for the base. Using popsicle sticks, they added texture to mimic the ridges of a cupcake liner. Additional clay was provided for the top. Students rolled a long coil and gradually spiraled it inward, shaping it into a conical “swirl” of frosting. Throughout the process, they were reminded to cradle both the top and bottom pieces for support, smooth the interior, and score any areas that needed to be attached. Details such as a cherry or sprinkles could be added for extra personality.

For drying, students wrote their names on a piece of cardstock and placed the card between the two separate pieces. We used Crayola Air-Dry Clay since we do not have a kiln, and the forms took about two weeks to dry completely. Once dry, the fifth graders painted their cupcakes with acrylic paint, and I sprayed them with a coat of acrylic gloss for a shiny, finished look.

1st grade holiday ornaments

 1st Grade Holiday Ornaments

My 1st graders received about a fist-sized amount of air-dried clay for these adorable ornaments. They flattened them out on a board and then used rolling pins to flatten them out. I provided patterns of stars, circles, or hearts for them to trace around with a wooden stylus stick. They could add textures with additional tools such as textured rolling pins and paint combs. The last step was to poke a hole towards the top for the string. I thought it would be too challenging for them to carve their initials on the back so I provided slips of paper for them to write their names. They placed these under their clay after they were finished. 

After they were dry (they only took about a week) students used acrylic paint to paint one side. They wrote their names with a black permanent marker on the back. The last step was for me to spray them with acrylic gloss and string a piece of yarn in the holes for them. I also wrapped them in donated bubble wrap for the trip home. 

1st grade Clay hearts

 1st Grade Clay hearts 

This lesson is great for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day or Christmas.

 Each student was provided with a ball of clay which they rolled into a slab. I provided handouts of hearts which they then traced around with a clay sculpture tool.

Students could add textures with various tools provided such as paint combs and textured rolling pins. The last step was to carve out a hole for a string. 

These only took a few days to dry so the following week students painted their hearts. I don't have a kiln so students used Crayola air dry clay. Acrylic paint works the best for providing bright colors but it is risky with this age group. I did have some students use tempera paint but the results were dull even after I sprayed them with acrylic gloss spray. If you can, try to use the acrylic paint. I do have aprons for all the students. 

After they were dry I sprayed them outside with gloss spray. With donations of bubble wrap from parents I wrapped all of them, added a string and sent them home. Hopefully they all made it without breaking! My students were so proud of them!