I have worked with this same class in 2nd grade and again in Kindergarten. Each year we work with clay. Seeing as this is the last year we will be working together I wanted their work to not only be more sophisticated in terms of techniques, but I also wanted them to be deeply personally invested in their final work. After giving them several classes of exploration and challenges in order to build their skills, I noticed that quite many of them were making some form of food, not just food, but desserts.
One skill-building activity required kids form different tables to create as many textures as possible. Part two of the challenge required students to create anything out of their clay and use one of the textures they invented.
We used many types of tools and explored how even one tool could be used several ways.
Rich visual resources are available in class for students reach out for further inspiration.
Final pieces will dry out for the next few weeks and will be ready to glaze.
