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Lesson 5: Abstract Clay Sculptures

Overview

We will make an abstract sculpture by combining clay shapes. Students will be able to use their hands to manipulate clay. They will roll and tap, make coils, and attach pieces of clay together.

Grade Level

K-2

Media

Drawing, Clay, Sculpture

  • Unit & Lessons

Materials

  • Clay
  • Foam trays
  • Damp sponges
  • Plastic forks
  • Resource: clay sculptures by John Balistreri

Activities

Step 1

Revisit what students did with clay tiles and textures.

Step 2

Demonstrate making different shapes with clay.

Step 3

Show how to score and smooth shapes to attach them together.

Step 4

Have students make clay shapes.

Step 5

Explore different ways to arrange and attach them.

Step 6

Have students look at their sculpture from different angles, considering both the inside and outside.

Vocabulary

Sculpture, roll, tap, coil, score, smooth

Resources

John Balistreri, Signal, 2014, stoneware, colored slip, glaze