Students learn how to create a clay pinch pot using a simple handbuilding technique.
Required Time
80 Minutes
Grade Level
Grade 1 to Grade 8
Subject
Art Techniques
Vocabulary
Materials
Crayola Air-Dry Clay - 1.13 kg whiteSlipToothbrushesPlastic Placemats - 1 per studentSmall Plastic ContainersPaper Towels
Shop Crayola Products
Steps
Step One
Roll a small ball of clay about the size of a clementine orange.
Step Two
Hold the ball in one hand.
Slowly push your thumb into the centre of the clay.
Step Three
Gently pinch the clay between your thumb on the inside, and your fingers on the outside while slowly turning the ball of clay in your hand.
Step Four
Apply even pressure as you turn the clay.
Check to see that the clay is the same thickness on the walls and rim of the pot.
Step Five
Gently tap the pot on the table to make a flat base.
Step Six
DECORATE THE POT
Make some SLIP by mixing some clay with water until it is like a creamy milkshake.
Step Seven
Place a small piece of clay into a garlic press and squeeze it out.
Use the clay strings to decorate your pinch pot.
Step Eight
Use a toothbrush to make some scratch marks where you want to add clay.
This is called SCORING the clay.
Use the toothbrush or your fingers to add some slip to the score marks.
Step Nine
Place the clay string on top of the scored clay.
Gently press it into the clay.
Be sure it is securely fastened.
Continue in this way until you are satisfied with your design.
Step Ten
Allow the pinch pot to dry for about 3 days.
Your pot is ready to be painted.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
create a small pinch pot;
use slip and score technique to join decorative clay elements;
explain their process;
express opinions about the works.
Extensions
Have students:
create a coil pot using the Coil Pot lesson plan available on this website;
compare the two methods of making handbuilt pots;
write a brochure explaining both methods and what they consider to be the pros and cons of each.
Prepare
Prepare enough slip for each group of students. - mix a small amount of clay with water until it is the consistency of a thick, creamy milkshake
Gather enough plastic mats so each student has one.
Make sure you have a place to store the completed pots while they dry.
Introduction
Demonstrate how to make a pinch pot emphasizing how slowly you push the thumb into the clay while gently pinching it between your fingers.
Explain that they are going to make their own clay pot using this simple handbuilding technique. - they will be pinching the clay between their fingers and thumb, which is why this pot is called a pinch pot
Introduce the challenge.
Activities
The Challenge
Create a clay pinch pot.
Use score and slip technique to add clay decorations to the pot.
Demonstrate technical accomplishment.
The Process
Make sure everyone understands the challenge.
Establish success criteria with your students, for example, I know I am successful when I have: - created a clay pinch pot - used score and slip joining technique correctly - added clay decorations to the pinch pot that stay on after the pot has dried - created a pinch pot that is sturdy and in good condition
Guide students through the steps outlined in this lesson plan.
Remind students to slowly turn the clay ball in their hand as they continue to pinch the clay.
Encourage students to always join clay using the score and slip technique.
Observe students as they work.
Provide individual assistance and encouragement.
Sharing
Place students into partners or groups of 3.
Ask them to take turns discussing the completed pots. Ask them to find 3 things that interest them about how the work was made. - What did your partner find challenging about making the pot? - What did your partner find easy about making their pot? - How did your partner feel about making their pot? Why?
Once everyone has had a chance to share, ask students to report back to the whole class. - Students tell what they learned about their partner’s work/process.
Assessment
Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting
Observe students as they share and discuss their pinch pots – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
Use a checklist to track progress. (Downloads - PinchPot_tracking.pdf)
Have students reflect on their own artworks in their sketchbooks. Ask students: - What worked well in your pinch pot? - What do you see that makes you say that? - What would you change or do differently next time?