Ceramic Art Lesson Dragon Clay Art Project Ceramics Activity 3D Art Lessons

In this Ceramic Dragon Art Lesson, students learn to build a ceramic dragon using pinch building methods, then add decorative details using a variety of processes, materials, tools and techniques. The visual and written step-by-step puts each step on its own page, so students can follow along and build their piece successfully.

The project suits elementary, middle school and high school art classes and creates three-dimensional pieces that make a great classroom display. The lesson shows how to build only. Finishing a ceramic piece is a separate process, and every classroom has different resources and budgets, so you choose whether to glaze, underglaze or paint.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “Copied and pasted into a google slideshow for students to follow along step by step, demonstrated to the class, then ran around and assisted students as they worked their way through the steps.” Mamma M.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• About the Resource page with learning objectives, hand-building techniques and creative exploration
• Lesson Plan (2 pages) with materials, learning outcomes, instructional goals and a Teacher Does / Student Does sequence
• Bulletin Board Sign to display finished dragons
• 4 Ways to Finish Ceramic Art Pieces handout
• Artist Reflection Worksheet
• Artist Statement Template and Assessment
• Ceramic Dragon Step-by-Step Handout (2 pages) with instructions on slab construction, scoring, slipping and joining
• Art Piece Demonstration Step-by-Step (26 slides)
• Example of Completed Art Piece to use as your hook
• Rubric for craftsmanship, creativity, construction techniques and lesson objectives
• Ceramic Art Reflection Page for student self-assessment and teacher feedback

HOW TO USE IT

Check the lesson plan and gather your materials in advance: your choice of clay (typically firing clay), wood tools, paper towel, a scoring tool such as a plastic fork (keep and reuse them), and rubber ribs, metal tools or stamps. Photocopy the step-by-step handouts and rubrics for your class. You may want to make a sample yourself first so you are ready to help students.

Print the example poster in color to show students what they are making before the lesson. Then project the PDF, show it under a document camera, or use it as your own guide while you demonstrate. Every step has a visual and a written description, which keeps things clear for students.

FAQ

Does this lesson cover glazing?

No. It shows how to build the dragon only. The included handout explains 4 ways to finish ceramic art, so you can glaze, underglaze or paint depending on your resources.

What materials do I need?

Clay (typically firing clay), wood tools, paper towel, a scoring tool such as a plastic fork, and rubber ribs, metal tools or stamps.

Who is it for?

Elementary, middle school and high school art teachers looking for a structured clay lesson.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (1)

★★★★ “My student loved using this resource in my class. they had a littllet trouble in the begining at first but enjoyed the resourse and complited the project.” Carlos M Berrios

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. For clip art, you may use the images as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: share this product with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic