CLAY!!

 

We have finished our CLAY unit!! 

This is the most wonderful time of year. Every student looks forward to our time with clay. 

Clay is beneficial to students in so many way: 

- It encourages sensory development 

- Develops coordination and motor skills 

- It can be therapeutic 

- Extends student attention span

- Builds imagination 

- Boosts self esteem

Kindergarten 

Students in kindergarten focused on created texture. They were tasked with using different tools to create different types of texture. Their texture exploration was transformed into a beautiful tree. The kindergarteners were so excited about every aspect of this process, the excitement they showed after discovering a new texture is an amazing process to be a part of. Students were taken through the whole clay process from creating, to firing, to glazing. 

1st Grade

Our first graders created magnificent pinch pots. Each student was introduced to the process of creating a pinch pot, they were also given the chance to add texture and different designs to their bowls to add their own special touch to their piece. 

One of the most exciting steps in this process is seeing a piece come out of the kiln all glazed. It is always exciting opening the kiln after a glaze kiln! 

2nd Grade 

Second graders took a little inspiration from Vincent Van Gogh and his sunflowers. These students' transformed a slab of clay into a one of a kind flower bowl. Each student was encouraged to explore additive and subtractive methods in clay. The results are wonderful! Colorful, creative, and unique just like each second grader. 

3rd Grade

Third graders worked on clay creatures. This is one of my favorite clay projects. Students created a sketch of a monster or creature from their imagination they wanted to replicate in clay. 

The final pieces are always fantastic. These third graders were so engaged, excited, and carefully considerate every aspect of their work. 

I am so impressed with how each students' piece developed and their careful construction which led to phenomenal sculptures!

Fourth Grade 

Fourth graders explored a new clay project I had not worked on before. Each student was asked to create a paintbrush out of clay. They used their knowledge of clay techniques and materials to construct their pieces. We added a special touch to each paintbrush to give them an extra pop! 

I love how these paintbrushes came to life, and they will look wonderful hanging in each students' home!

 

Fifth Grade 

The fifth graders were inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso and his portraits. 

Students created abstract portraits using elements seen in some of Picasso's work. They were given the artistic freedom to explore, and create pieces they felt were interesting. Each piece is so different and would make Picasso proud! 

Our focus coming back from April vacation will be more focused on group and collaborative projects. We will explore different ways we can work together as a community to bring beautiful artwork into our school. I am looking forward to all of the upcoming projects I have planned. 

With summer also quickly approaching students will be looking for ways to explore and create. I will be post art opportunities and resources that students' can take advantage of during the summer months in the upcoming blog posts. 

I will be offering 2 day art workshops, each workshop will have a different focus. Below is information about this opportunity.