Clay Creations Facilitation GuideCLAY CREATIONS Facilitation Guide • Tier 1 Classroom Lesson Time 30 MIN Lesson Objective Build student confidence and encourage in-depth self-expression through the medium of clay and collaborative peer sharing. Instructional Sequence 5m Introduction Welcome students and explain the objective. Discuss how art can be a powerful tool for sharing thoughts and feelings that might be hard to put into words. Prompt: "Today we aren't just making things; we are telling stories about ourselves through clay." 15m Clay Activity Distribute clay and tools. Instruct students to create a sculpture that represents how they feel about school or a recent experience. Focus on abstract shapes or textures if literal items feel too hard. Encourage exploration of how "heavy" or "light" a feeling might look. 5m Collaborative Sharing Pair students up. They explain their designs and what they represent to their partner. Focus on listening with empathy. 5m Class Discussion & Closure Invite 2-3 volunteers to share with the whole group. Reflect on how expressing ourselves builds confidence and connection. Materials Modeling Clay (Self-hardening or plasticine) Plastic table coverings Clay tools (popsicle sticks, etc.) Discussion Cards handout Artist Statement worksheets Teaching Tips Safe Space: Remind students there is no "wrong" way to make art. The goal is the message, not the mastery. Facilitate: Move around the room during the activity. Ask open-ended questions like "Tell me more about this shape." Cleanup: Allot 2 minutes for cleanup as part of the 30-minute block.
Clay Creations Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Starters Unlocking stories through clay 1 What did you create with your clay and why? Encourage students to describe their creation and the thought process behind it. What parts were hard to build? What part do you like the most? 2 How did it feel to share your creation with a partner? Discuss the emotions involved in sharing personal work. Was it nervous? Exciting? How did it feel when your partner listened to your story? 3 Why is it important to express our thoughts and feelings? Explore the benefits of self-expression. Does it make you feel lighter? Does it help others understand you better? How does art help us talk? Teacher Tip: Give students 30 seconds of "quiet think time" before asking for volunteers to answer these questions.
Clay Creations SlidesClay Creations Express Yourself through Art Our Goal Today Build Confidence in our unique ideas and creations. Share Our thoughts and feelings with our classmates. Art is a Language "Sometimes our hands can say things that are hard for our voices to find." Think about: Shapes • Textures • Sizes • Weight The Creation Challenge 15 MINUTES Create something that represents: How you feel about school right now OR A recent experience that stays in your mind Pair & Share Explain why you chose your design. Tell your partner what it represents. Class Circle ? How did it feel to share your creation? ? Why is it important to express our feelings?
Clay Creations Artist Statement WorksheetArtist Statement Name: Date: Use this card to help you plan and explain your creation to your partner. The Inspiration What did you decide to create today? Was it a feeling about school or a recent memory? Shapes & Stories Why did you choose these specific shapes or textures? What do they represent? Sharing Checklist I can explain my choice. I am ready to listen. Drafting Space You can sketch your idea here before you start with the clay!
