Creative Clay Creations

Lesson Overview

This lesson focuses on supporting year 2 students in developing their creative expression and fine motor skills through sculpting with clay. Following the UK National Curriculum for Art and Design (Key Stage 1) standards, students will learn about shaping materials to create their own unique artwork. Pupils will explore techniques such as rolling, pinching, and texturing using tools to form imaginative designs, gaining hands-on experience with three-dimensional art.

By the end of this 120-minute session, children will have individual clay sculptures to showcase, while also reflecting on experimentation and problem-solving during the process of creation.

Curriculum Objectives

• National Curriculum for Art & Design (Key Stage 1):

  • To use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
  • To develop a wide range of art and design techniques using shape, form, and texture.
  • To recognise the work of a range of artists and understand the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork.

• Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Children will create a three-dimensional sculpture using clay.
  • Children will experiment with texture and tools to add detail to their artwork.
  • Children will reflect on their creative process and design decisions.

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Resources Required

• Air-drying clay (portioned appropriately for 29 students – approx. 200g per child).
• Sculpting tools: plastic knives, wooden modelling tools, toothpicks, and rolling pins (enough for group sharing).
• Natural objects (e.g., leaves, twigs, shells) to create textures and patterns.
• Small containers of water to smooth clay.
• Plastic table covers to protect surfaces.
• Aprons or old shirts for children to wear over uniforms.
• Paper and pencils for thumbnail sketches.
• Labels or name flags for sculptures (to identify students' work).

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Lesson Structure

Part 1: Introduction and Inspiration (20 minutes)

1. Discuss Three-Dimensional Art: Brief discussion about 3D vs 2D artworks. Show examples of sculptures (both modern and historical) to inspire, e.g., Barbara Hepworth or Henry Moore (ensuring examples are simple and age-appropriate).
2. Theme Selection: Introduce today’s theme to inspire sculptures – “Nature and the Wild.” Explain that students will design an animal or plant of their choice, from realistic to imaginary. Allow them to brainstorm ideas.
3. Thumbnail Sketches: Provide paper and pencils for students to draw quick miniature plans of their sculptures, focusing on shape and detail (5–7 minutes). Encourage creativity and individuality, reassuring them it doesn’t need to look ‘perfect.’

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Part 2: Demonstration and Hands-On Claywork (50 minutes)

1. Clay Introduction (10 minutes):

   • Demonstrate how to handle the clay gently: start with rolling, pinching, and kneading to make it pliable.
   • Show how to roll clay into basic shapes (ball, coil, slab) to form a base structure.
   • Explain using water to smooth edges or join pieces.
   • Demonstrate adding texture with tools or objects, e.g., pressing a leaf to make a pattern or scratching fine details with a toothpick.
   • Quick safety reminder: no clay in mouths or rubbing eyes with clay-covered hands.

2. Creative Session (40 minutes):

   • Students begin sculpting their designs based on their thumbnails. Encourage them to focus on shape and textures.
   • Circulate the room to provide support, asking questions like: “What could you add to make it more detailed?” or “How might this design be stronger?”
   • Let students know it’s okay to adapt or experiment if their original idea changes during the process.

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Part 3: Drying, Assembly, and Reflection (30 minutes)

1. Finalising Sculptures (10 minutes):

   • Encourage students to smooth out surfaces and refine smaller details with tools. Name flags or labels are added to sculptures for identification.
   • Set sculptures aside in a safe area to dry.

2. Group Reflection (15 minutes):

   • Arrange the sculptures on a long table for a “class gallery.” Students can walk around to admire their classmates' work.
   • Facilitate a group discussion, asking questions like:
     • “What was your favourite part of making your sculpture?”
     • “Did anyone discover a clever way to use a tool?”
     • “Which textures or shapes are you most proud of?”

3. Clean-Up (5 minutes):

   • Students tidy workstations and return tools. Have cleaning supplies on hand for wiping down surfaces.

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Differentiation Strategies

For students needing extra support:

• Provide pre-formed basic shapes (e.g., pre-rolled clay balls) to enable them to focus on adding details or textures.
• Pair them with a buddy for guidance.

For more confident learners:

• Challenge them to include more intricate patterns or additional elements in their sculptures, such as combining different animal or plant characteristics.
• Encourage them to experiment with negative space by creating holes or gaps in the clay.

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Assessment and Plenary

1. Assessment Criteria: Observe and assess children’s:

   • Ability to use tools and techniques effectively.
   • Creativity and originality in their designs.
   • Engagement with the process and problem-solving skills.

2. Plenary: End the session with a positive summary:

   • Highlight the diversity in sculptures and how everyone tackled the theme uniquely.
   • Remind students their sculptures will dry overnight and can be painted in the next session to further enhance their creations.

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Teacher Takeaway

This engaging claywork lesson will not only develop students’ fine motor and artistic skills but will also foster their curiosity, problem-solving, and appreciation for 3D art. By connecting the project to nature, it adds cross-curricular relevance with links to science, while also encouraging mindfulness through tactile exploration. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity of your students!