Modeling Clay, 4 Colours
Fine Line Markers, 12 CountStudents will be able to:
- Create a bas relief, narrative scene using modeling clay;
- Create a variety of textures;
- Create a balanced composition;
- Demonstrate technical accomplishment; and
- Support their ideas with evidence found in the works.
APPLE PICKING – Modeling Clay Scene
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Steps
Step One
Create a gouging tool by taping a paper clip to the end of a pencil. Create a pin tool by taping an open paper clip to the end of a pencil. Gather some other texture making tools such as a garlic press, skewers, and combs.
Step Two
Begin by flattening a small piece of modeling clay on a plastic placemat. Use the various tools to make different textures on this piece of modeling clay.
Step Three
When you have filled the clay think about how you might use these textures in your scene. Roll the modeling clay into a ball so you can use it again.
Step Four
Divide a piece of paper into 4 sections. Think about how you want to compose your scene. Make a sketch in each section. Explore different ways of composing your picture.
Step Five
Choose the sketch you like the best. Refer to it as you work with the modeling clay. You might decide to add some details from several sketches in your final scene. Begin by spreading a thin layer of modeling clay in the right hand side of the empty CD case for the background. Try mixing different colours to show depth.
Step Six
Add lots of details and textures to add interest to your scene.
Step Seven
Write a poem to go with your scene. Decorate the paper and insert it into the left hand side of the CD case. View your completed work to see if you need to add any other details.
Learning Goals
Extensions
- Have students photograph their scenes and use the photographs to create an illustrated, digital book.
- Have students teach a student in a lower grade how to make a modeling clay scene.
- Use the techniques learned to create the backdrop for a Claymation project.
Prepare
- Gather a variety of texture making tools.
- Gather required art materials.
- Gather some Barbara Reid books, for example, Picture a Tree, What do you see?, The New Baby Calf, Fox Walked Alone.
- Download or view some Barbara Reid videos from the Internet.
Barbara Reid
Introduction
- Place students into small groups and ask them to examine the illustrations in some of Barbara Reid's books.
- List characteristics of her illustrations on a chart paper.
- Ask students to point out the things that make the scenes effective and to speculate about how Reid achieves the effects.
- View the Barbara Reid video.
- Introduce the challenge.
Activities
The Challenge
- Create a bas relief, narrative scene using modeling clay.
- Create a variety of textures.
- Create a balanced composition.
- Demonstrate technical accomplishment.
- Support your ideas with evidence found in the works.
The Process
- Demonstrate how to make the two tools.
- Remind students that their scene is meant to be a narrative based on their experiences. Encourage them to think of lots of details to support their story.
- Guide students through the steps outlined in this lesson plan.
- Observe students as they work.
- Provide individual assistance and encouragement.
Sharing
- Place students into small groups.
- Ask them to:
- Compare their work and describe to each other what they did to get certain effects.
- Tell each other their stories.
- Talk about what was difficult and what was easy for them. - Share ideas with the whole class.
- Ask them to tell how they felt about doing this project.
Assessment
- Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting
- Observe students as they discuss the art works – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
- Use a checklist to track progress. (Download - SCENE_tracking.pdf)
- Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Download - SCENE_self-assessment.pdf or SCENE_PRIMARY.pdf)
