Fourth Grade Clay Looms

    In Fourth Grade we discussed a type of art called functional art.  Students had the ability to learn about looms and different styles of weaving that artists use around the world.  We looked at different types of weaving like carpets, tapestries and clothing items.

  Once we discussed the process that goes into weaving, the students had the opportunity to create their own loom for weaving.  We used clay and rolled a slab, then cut out an organic shape both outside and inside.  Students then used various tools to poke holes through the clay for the yarn, then texture and decorations. 

  We used oil pastels and tempera paint to color in our looms, so we didn't accidentally glaze holes closed.  Students had a wonderful time coloring in their looms.  Students picked out the yarn colors to use and then began their weaving.

    Here are some of the results:

Third Grade Coil Pots

   In Third Grade we are finishing up our pottery project, focusing on coils.  We talked about the artwork of the Pueblo Native Americans and also discussed the different functions pottery takes within their daily lives.  We looked at the geometric designs painted on the surfaces of the vessels and also we watched a video showing potter Maria Martinez at work in her house, the students really enjoyed watching Maria working and learning more about her style.  Here is the video link that I show students during class, it is a two part documentary on Maria.

  After the video, we discussed how we will be creating our coil pots.  There are many important steps to take in order for the pots to be successful.  We  discussed the process of scratching and slipping our clay together, this is where you take two pieces of clay and scratch them like Velcro and add water to help it stick together.

  After they were fired in the kiln, the students learned about the glazing process and the steps needed to glaze their pottery.  Students picked out one color for their pots and applied it in three layers. 

 Here are our wonderful results!

Fifth Grade Chihuly Bowls

    In Fifth Grade, we looked at the works by artist Dale Chihuly.  We discussed how his work looks abstracted and has form.  We watched a video that documented works that Chihuly has in Seattle, Washington in a botanical garden.  We also watched a video where some glass artists showed the glass blowing process.  The students loved looking at all of his intricate pieces and the colors, they also enjoyed seeing how glass can be created in different shapes and sizes.

  We took our learning and created our own Chihuly inspired bowl.  First, we took a ball of newspaper about the size of a softball and taped it so the form was held.  Then, we rolled clay into a slab and draped the clay over the newspaper ball.  Our hands were used as tools to shape the edges of the clay.  We let the clay dry over the newspaper and then they were fired.  The students were then able to glaze them however they wanted, patterns, one color, etc...

Here are some of the end results, they were all so beautiful!

Kindergarten Gingerbread Man

In Kindergarten, our special Winter project was creating our very own Gingerbread Man out of clay.  First, we read the book Gingerbread Baby which was enjoyed by all, then we started off on creating our own Gingerbread Man.  The students received a pre-rolled slab of clay and then a stencil in the shape of a Gingerbread Man.  They traced the stencil into the clay and cut out their figure.  Then, details were added- buttons, mouth, nose...

To add color, we used Oil Pastels-any color they wanted, and then Brown watered down tempera paint.  This gave them the 'cookie' look.  The students had a lot of fun working with the clay and seeing their Gingerbread people come to life.

Third Grade Coil Pots

Third graders spent some time looking at the artworks of the Pueblo Indians in Southwestern United States.  We focused on the artist Maria Martinez and watched a video about her pottery technique and design, it was really informative and the students loved watching it.  We then learned about the hand building technique of Coiling to create our pots.  The students loved working with the clay and the challenge of building up the walls to match their different base shape selections. 

After we built them, they worked on Glazing their pots with different colors and designs.  All of the glazes we use are food safe, so they can place snacks inside if they desire.  

Fifth Grade Kimmy Cantrell Clay Mask

 Fifth Graders just finished working with clay, they had a blast!  It is a different medium for them to explore, allowing for an entirely new type of success.  We discussed artist Kimmy Cantrell and looked at his artwork.  We focused on asymmetry and the use of textures within the clay surface to create visual interest.  After we finished them, students colored them with Oil Pastels in a variety of colors and then we used tempra paints over the top of the pastels.  This allowed the students to see the resist technique take place on their mask, which they loved.

The results were very colorful masks with a lot of creative textures and facial details.