My students need a clay component and pottery finishing tools in their Visual Arts program to make connections across curriculums by creating hands on learning experiences.
Clay is a material that opens up children's creativity. Please encourage our students to flourish in the visual and performing arts1
My students are 1st-7th grade visual artists at an Elementary School in Georgia.
The clay program is needed because there is a gap in the visual arts program—3D works are a large part of state and national standards. There has been very little to no program in this visual arts curriculum for many years. It is necessary to bring 3D aspects of clay to the core curriculum and the students must be given the tools to achieve excellence in this medium, school and beyond.
My Project
The clay program may directly benefit students in visual arts classes, but it presents an integrated curriculum bridging visual arts with science, math and social studies. Students will first be introduced to clay, how it is made including its scientific properties and how it is harvested. They will explore the elements of 3D design as it relates to math as well as the societal role clay has played throughout history (utilitarian clay vessels and esthetic objects of art). In addition, the project will focus on the “Face Jugs" or "Ugly Jugs", a tradition in the North Georgia Mountains dating back to the early 1800's.
Clay challenges students to use creativity at a multi-sensory level.
It engages them both physically and mentally throughout the process from the planning stages to building forms, throwing pots, bisque firing, glazing and then the final fire. Clay teaches students high level lessons about process, control and chance. Successful experiences in three dimensional empower students beyond their artwork/final piece.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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