Narrative Vase Creation

Grade Level

8th Grade

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

25 Students

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain key historical and cultural aspects of Greek and Roman narrative vases, including their functions and symbolism.
2. Define and use vocabulary related to coil pottery techniques and vase anatomy.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of coil pottery methods by planning and sketching their own vase design inspired by Greek/Roman forms and narrative decoration.
4. Create a two-dimensional template for vase shapes to be used in future coil pot assembly.
5. Analyze the narrative storytelling aspect and relate it to their own original designs.

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Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.3 - Analyze how a text makes connections among individuals, events, and ideas.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4 - Present claims and findings clearly, distinguishing facts from opinions.

Michigan Visual Art Standards (2018):

• VA:Cr1.1.8 - Develop a personal body of work by exploring ideas and artistic processes.
• VA:Pr5.1.8 - Analyze and describe how visual components are used to convey meaning in artworks.
• VA:Re7.1.8 - Identify and describe connections between artistic ideas and community, cultural or historical context to deepen understanding.

Cross-Disciplinary Connections

• History/Social Studies: Connections to Ancient Greece/Rome cultures.
• Language Arts: Narrative storytelling reflected visually and verbally.

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Vocabulary

• Narrative Vase
• Coil Pottery
• Vessel Forms: Amphora, Krater, Kylix, Oinochoe
• Template
• Coil Technique
• Slip (clay mixture)
• Relief
• Iconography
• Symmetry

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector with images of Greek and Roman vases
• Handouts with vocabulary and vase shape templates
• Drawing paper and pencils
• Rulers and erasers
• Clay (for demonstration only; no actual sculpting this lesson)
• Visual timeline of coil pottery development

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description
0-5	Introduction & Hook	Show images of Greek and Roman narrative vases. Lead brief discussion on what stories these vases tell (e.g. myths, daily life).
5-12	Historical Context & Vocabulary	Present key facts about the use of vases in ancient cultures, including social and ceremonial functions. Introduce vocabulary terms with visual aids.
12-20	Coil Pottery Technique & Vase Types	Explain history and advantages of coil pottery. Demonstrate coil building briefly (or show video). Introduce vase shapes via templates.
20-30	Planning Narrative Designs	Guide students in brainstorming their own vase narrative theme; sketch a preliminary vase shape with narrative elements. Encourage storytelling through art.
30-40	Template Drawing Exercise	Students use rulers and stencils/templates to draw their vase shape on paper, then begin sketching the narrative decorations. Teacher circulates for feedback.
40-45	Formative Assessment & Closure Discussion	Students present their sketches briefly, articulating their narrative and technical plan. Exit ticket: Write one key thing learned and one question.

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Instructional Steps & Notes

Introduction & Hook (0-5 minutes)

• Begin with high-quality projected images of red-figure and black-figure Greek vases, Roman drinking vessels.
• Ask students what they notice about the images. Highlight that these vases tell stories through pictures (narratives).
• Emphasize the importance of storytelling through objects — blending function and art.

Historical Context & Vocabulary (5-12 minutes)

• Share a concise history of when and why narrative vases were made: everyday use and ceremonial events in Ancient Greece and Rome.
• Introduce vessel types: amphora (storage), kylix (drinking cup), krater (mixing bowl), oinochoe (wine jug).
• Define key terms with visuals (coil pottery, slip, relief, iconography). Use age-appropriate definitions.

Coil Pottery Technique & Vase Types (12-20 minutes)

• Explain coil pottery: stacking clay coils and smoothing to build form, earliest known method for creating vessels, flexible.
• Show examples or demonstrate a simple coil technique.
• Discuss how templates help potters maintain shape and symmetry while building—a practice used today and linked to ancient techniques.
• Present templates of amphora, kylix, and krater for students to recognize shapes.

Planning Narrative Designs (20-30 minutes)

• Brainstorm narrative ideas: mythology, daily life, animals, symbols. Guide students to think about what story they want to tell on their vase.
• Model quick sketching of the vase outline and rough narrative placement on a whiteboard.
• Encourage creative thinking but grounded in traditional shapes and storytelling.

Template Drawing Exercise (30-40 minutes)

• Distribute vase templates and drawing supplies.
• Students draw their vase outline using the template and ruler.
• Sketch placement of narrative elements within the vase body.
• The teacher reinforces vocabulary and provides individual feedback, encouraging detail and narrative clarity.

Formative Assessment & Closure (40-45 minutes)

• Select several students (volunteers or pre-planned) to share their idea and sketch with the class, focusing on narrative and form.
• Exit ticket: One thing learned (e.g., "Coil pottery uses rolled clay to make shapes") and one question ("How did ancient potters paint their designs?").
• Collect exit tickets to guide next lessons (e.g., actual coil construction or painting techniques).

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Assessment

Formative

• Observation during sketching and participation in discussions
• Check use of vocabulary in explanations and sketches
• Exit tickets to assess understanding and misconceptions

Summative (to be used in follow-up lessons)

• Completed coil pottery vase with narrative design (assessed on historical accuracy, creativity, technique)
• Written artist statement linking narrative choice to history and personal meaning

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Teacher Tips for 'Wow' Factor

• Use vivid storytelling when presenting historical context—perhaps portray a dramatized account of a Greek symposium where vases were used.
• Challenge students to think of contemporary objects that tell narratives visually.
• Incorporate a short silent video clip demonstrating coil pottery construction for multisensory engagement.
• Display student sketches in a “Gallery Walk” next lesson to encourage peer feedback and art appreciation.
• Connect curriculum standards by asking students to present their narrative stories orally during the formative assessment.

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This lesson blends art, history, language arts, and technique with structure and creativity, ensuring alignment with Common Core and Michigan Visual Art standards, while engaging 8th graders meaningfully in an accessible, hands-on way.