Ceramic Autumn Leaf Bowl Clay Lesson Fall Ceramics Slump Bowl Project Activity

In this Ceramic Autumn Leaf Bowl lesson, students press real autumn leaves into clay to make leaf slabs, then overlap and attach them inside a slumping form to build a functional, decorative bowl. They use a combination of slab slumping and additive methods, and the finished pieces have an earthy, handmade quality students are proud of.

This fall ceramics resource is for grades 4 to 7 and is a non-editable PDF. It suits art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families, and fits fall ceramics lessons, hand building units and middle school ceramics.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Full Lesson Plan Page with overview, materials, big ideas, learning target, inquiry questions and competencies
• 1 Teacher and Student Steps Page
• 1 Page: 4 Ways to Finish Ceramic Art After Firing
• 1 Clay Tools Reference Page
• 1 Clay Art Rubric Page
• 1 Ceramic Art Project Reflection Page
• 1 Example Artwork Page
• 2 Step-by-Step Ceramic Leaves Bowl Pages
• 1 Art Reflection Page
• 1 Artist’s Statement Page
• 1 Ceramics Autumn Leaves Bowl Poster Page
• Additional build support pages

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students practice slab construction, imprinting texture, scoring and slipping, blending seams, refining form and building a three-dimensional composition. They make several leaf slabs, arrange them into a bowl and attach them carefully so the piece holds together as both a sculpture and a vessel.

The lesson's inquiry questions ask how 2D processes inform 3D practices and how students can create functional or decorative work with clay. The lesson shows how to build only, so you can choose to glaze, underglaze or paint the finished piece based on your materials and kiln process.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Art teachers, homeschool educators, classroom teachers and substitute teachers who want a fall ceramics lesson for grades 4 to 7.

Does it teach glazing?

No. The lesson demonstrates how to build only. It does include a page with 4 ways to finish ceramic art after firing.

How long does this lesson take?

It often takes multiple class periods. Students need time to build, let the piece firm up in the slump bowl, remove it carefully, refine the form and let it dry fully before firing. Lifting the bowl out may happen in a second class, depending on humidity and drying conditions.

Is it editable?

No. It is a non-editable PDF.

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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: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it 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