Phase: | During/Explore/Explain |
Activity: | 1. Read the book When Clay Sings by Byrd Baylor or use the digital tool to show the book being read aloud. 2. After reading the book, ask the students about the illustrations that were included in the book: What types of images were included? Why were these included in a book about Native American pottery? The student should see that the images that were included in the book were of people, animals, and events that happened in the lives of the ancient Indians that were mentioned in the book. 3. Give each student a small ball of clay. Demonstrate hand wedging to students (see this video for a demonstration of how to wedge clay properly). Roll out the clay to an even thickness using a small rolling pin or dowel rod. (Depending on the students' experience level, the teacher may wish to roll each student's clay or roll one large slab of clay out for the whole class, then cut individual pieces). The clay needs to be an even thickness to dry properly, however, its overall shape can be non-uniform as it should appear to be a "shard" of pottery, like the broken pieces mentioned in the book. 4. After rolling the clay, students should use a finger dipped in water or a damp sponge to smooth the surface of their clay piece. Then, students should use tools to carve a symbol into their clay piece. This symbol should represent a personal interest (for example, a student who likes soccer could carve a soccer ball into their clay). 5. Allow the clay pieces to dry overnight. If desired, the students can paint their final piece and finish the paint with a clear sealer. |
Assessment Strategies: | After each student creates their clay piece, ask students to describe how the symbol etched into the clay represents one of their personal interests. |
Advanced Preparation: | The teacher will need the book When Clay Sings by Byrd Baylor or the ability to play an internet video with sound to show the read aloud. The teacher will need enough air dry clay to give each student a ball of clay that will roll out into an approximately 4-inch by 4-inch square. Each student will need a workspace to create their clay piece and a small rolling pin or dowel rod to roll clay to an even thickness. Each student will need materials to carve a symbol into their clay piece. Students will need a small cup of water to use to smooth the surface of their clay piece. If desired, the teacher can provide students with paint for their clay and a clear sealer to protect the final piece. |
Variation Tips (optional): | |
Notes or Recommendations (optional): |
Keywords and Search Tags: |