Free Lesson Plan: Clay Story Tellers

Clay Story Tellers

Level: Elementary and Middle School

Duration: Two 45-minute class periods

Historical Overview: Indigenous Peoples in the Americas clay work

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, toothbrushes, spray bottle

Procedures:

Day 1

1. Anticipatory Set: Show posters and books of images of different Indigenous Peoples in the Americas story teller sculptures.
2. Make wire and washer clay cutting tool.
3. Review proportions of a person.
4. Review vocabulary.
5. Demonstrate subtractive method and found tools.
6. Have students wedge clay, use rolling pin, and trace and cut out circle for a skirt.
7. Have students make coils for arms and legs and roll ball for head.
8. Use a toothbrush for adhering different shapes and a clay extruder to make hair.
9. Make sure to spray clay and wrap any unfinished work well.

See also: Clay Hands and Clay Animals