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.
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!
Students created a pinch pot using self hardening clay. I don't have a kiln at my school so I find this clay works the best. It is still very fragile, but it's the best I can do without a kiln. I use Crayola's self hardening clay.
I first discussed with the students where clay comes from and shared the book "Children of Clay, A family of Pueblo Potters" by Rina Swentzell. This is a great book about a family's journey to find clay and to create art with it. It is a non fiction book with photographs. I don't know if it is still in print but I'm sure you could find a similar book.
Each student received a piece of wax paper and a small card to write their name and teacher code on to identify their clay pot later (since we aren't firing the clay)..At this level I find it is difficult for the students to write their name on the bottom of the pot so the card works out great. They just put their pot on top while it is drying. When they are ready to paint they can take a black permanent marker and write their name on the bottom.
The wax paper works great for clean up. Just throw it away when you're finished!
Since I chose to do this project in the winter, and my classroom is in the basement, it has taken a while for the pots to dry.
After they were dry, the students painted them with tempera paint.
After they were painted I sprayed them with acrylic gloss. Make sure to do this after school and with the windows opened!
