Focus on texture -4th grade clay sculptures

As always we began the unit with one entire class dedicated to exploration. This time I also asked them to create these small texture samples. 

Exploring textures in clay. Thinking of having students look at Van Gogh’s drawings as inspiration. #ceramics #projectbasedlearnjng #choice #workthatmatters #sethgodin #clay #3dart #artsed #apsarts 

During the second class I gave them labels with varied textures such as feathers ripples of water, scales, etc....and asked them to match the labels to a texture one might use to crate that texture. (These are in Spanish, I teach in a Spanish Immersion school) 

I tweeted: "Exploring different textures in clay- #immersion #spanish #apsarts #artsed #ceramics #artteacherlife "

12/2/19

I learned during teaching this class today to never underestimate planning. I gave students a quick set of instructions on how to draw their ideas in a way in which we can "see" all 4 sides and set them loose. Last year I had all kids make mugs and allowed them to choose what they decorated their outside with, this year, I have chosen to not give them any uniting "umbrella" subject. I was a bit nervous at first but within 20 minutes I realized I had made a great decision in letting them choose. Students went right to work image googling their ideas, some wanted to make a car, some wanted to make a mug, others simply wanted to make a sculpture of a creature or animal their liked. The class was an hour and 10 minutes and every child sat for that long planning out their idea. 

I also encouraged the students to walk around and share their ideas with peers to get feedback. Here are two students discussing their ideas freely. 

Whether or not the image is drawn to scale does not matter. Whether or not it matches what they found on google images also does not matters. What matters is that the idea is clear to them. 

In noticing the variation of ideas coming forth I decided that next week I will have to give a brief lesson on proper attachment of pieces so that I do not have many pieces to repair after firing. I also encouraged them to keep thinking about their idea during the week and if they changed their minds all they'd have to do is bring in a revised sketch by the next class.