Ceramics Art Lesson Clay Monster Art Project Ceramic Activity Sculpture

This Ceramic Monsters art lesson shows students how to build a clay monster sculpture using pinch building methods. Students combine pinch building with decorative methods, using a variety of processes, materials, tools and techniques to create their own monster.

The lesson comes with a visual and text step-by-step (each step on its own page with a description), a lesson plan, a rubric, a finished example and a student step-by-step handout. Please note the lesson demonstrates how to build only. Finishing a ceramic piece is a separate process, so you can glaze, underglaze or paint in whatever way fits the resources and budget in your classroom.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “My students loved this lesson so much. Their monsters turned out really cute. I had to switch to air dry clay due to covid protocols but was able to adjust accordingly. Very fun and creative resource.” Kristina S.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• About the Product, an introduction to the lesson with learning objectives, construction techniques and creative exploration
• Lesson Plan (2 pages) with materials, learning outcomes, instructional goals and "Teacher Does/Student Does" steps
• Bulletin Board Sign for displaying finished ceramic monsters
• 4 Ways to Finish Ceramic Art Pieces Handout covering glazing, underglazing, acrylic painting and wax resist
• Artist Reflection Worksheet for student self-assessment
• Artist Statement Template and Assessment
• Ceramic Monsters Step-By-Step Handout (2 pages), a printable "How to Build" guide covering construction, scoring, slipping and joining
• Art Piece Demonstration Step-By-Step (26 slides) with images and text for every step
• Example of Completed Art Piece to show students before they begin (your hook)
• Rubric for Art Piece assessing craftsmanship, creativity, construction and lesson objectives
• Ceramic Art Reflection Page for student self-assessment and teacher feedback

HOW TO USE IT

Look over the lesson plan for what to do and the materials you need, and gather them in advance. Read through the visual and text step-by-steps, and consider making a sample yourself so you are ready to help students. Photocopy the student handouts, such as the step-by-step and rubric.

Print the finished example in color to show students what they are making before the lesson. Then show the step-by-step on a projector or document camera, or use it as your guide while you demonstrate. Every step has both a picture and a text description.

Materials: step-by-step handouts for students, your choice of clay (typically firing clay), wood tools, paper towel, a scoring tool such as a plastic fork, and rubber ribs, metal tools or stamps.

FAQ

Does the lesson cover glazing?

No. It demonstrates how to build only. The 4 Ways to Finish handout explains glazing, underglazing, acrylic painting and wax resist so you can choose what works for your classroom.

What kind of clay do I need?

Your choice of clay. Firing clay is typical.

Can I show the steps on a screen?

Yes. Project the step-by-step pages for students to follow, or use them as your own guide while you demonstrate.

Is it editable?

No. The resource is non-editable.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “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.

★★★★ “Awesome lessons with great examples and instructions, thank you!” Chalk & Cloud

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

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