Free Lesson Plan: Clay Hands

Clay Hands

Level: Elementary and Middle School

Duration: Two 45-minute class periods

Historical Overview: August Rodin and France

Goals and Objectives: To introduce sculpting techniques.

Vocabulary: Positive and negative space, carving additive and subtractive methods, proportion, scale

Materials: Clay, carving tools, wire and washer clay cutting tool, sponges, water containers, tooth brushes, spray bottle

Procedures:

Day 1

  1. Anticipatory Set: Show posters and books of images of different prints by artist Rodin.
  2. Make wire and washer clay cutting tool.
  3. Review proportions of a hand.
  4. Review vocabulary.
  5. Demonstrate subtractive method and found tools.
  6. Have students wedge clay, use rolling pin, and trace and cut out hand.
  7. Have students bend hands into position adding details like nails using additive method.
  8. Make sure to spray clay and wrap any unfinished work well.

Day 2

  1. Firing process explained and parts of kiln shown.
  2. Students complete projects.
  3. Students critique sculptures and take to kiln.

See also: Clay Story Tellers and Clay Animals