Friday, January 9, 2015

Clay Penguins





Second graders made these super cute little clay penguins.  The kids started by making a smooth sphere.  I compare it to a planet with no rivers (cracks) or mountains (bumps).  I show them how to gently tap down the mountains and cross the rivers with a finger to smooth them out. Next, the sphere is rolled into an egg shape and the bottom is flattened so that the penguin can stand!  

In second grade, the kids do clay projects that don't involve attaching pieces of clay.  Instead, we focus on pinch and pull techniques to gently form the clay.  We pinch and pull to create the beak, wings and feet. The clay we use is air-dry clay which can be purchased at craft stores like Hobby Lobby.  (The kids always ask).  It does not need to be fired in a kiln but is less durable than kiln fired clay.

Finally, after the clay air-dries, we carefully paint the little penguins with our best acrylic paint!




Goals: I can...
- Explain where clay comes from
- Create a smooth sphere
- Use push and pull techniques to form the clay sculpture


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