Overview
We will make the large shapes needed for a clay animal. Students will be able to pinch and pull and score and smooth to start building animal sculptures.
Materials
- Clay
- Foam trays
- Damp sponges
- Plastic forks
- Ziploc bags
- Resource: animal photos, Terracotta zoomorphic askos (vessel) with antlers, Cypriot, from the Met collection
Activities
Step 1
Look at Terracotta zoomorphic askos (vessel) with antlers and notice shapes. Discuss why the artist made the shapes this way.
Step 2
Look at animal photos and drawings and notice shapes.
Step 3
Demonstrate making clay shapes for an animal and then firmly attaching the shapes.
Step 4
Demonstrate making thick forms so they won’t break.
Step 5
Have students make and attach the shapes for their animal.
Step 6
Save in Ziploc bags.
Reflection
Read aloud Frida Kahlo And Her Animalitos. Students will start developing a fairy tale about their animals.
Writing Prompt (Optional):
Students will write about their clay animal. They will think about a name, what their animal looks like, and where it lives.
Vocabulary
Pinch and pull, body, head, legs
Resources
