Every experience with clay is a valuable learning opportunity for children. Kids naturally gain the skills to work and manipulate clay better with every interaction. As students gain experience with one technique, it can be combined with another for a whole new project. Also, adding texture creates opportunities for new and interesting ideas.
When students are introduced to clay and hand-building techniques in a logical and sequential order, they will build on their knowledge and skills. With a thoughtful curriculum and appropriate projects, a balance of play and technique can be easily attained to produce structurally sound pieces they can be proud of.
The Basic Lifecyle of Ceramics
Sometimes new docents are intimidated by clay projects and the multi-step nature. If taken in small chunks the process is less overwhelming. Familiarize yourself with the basics and remember there are many docents who can help you along the way Finally, the grade level leads will coordinate for having enough clay and other needed supplies are available for each project.
The ceramics process is as follows:
Clay - Items are sculpted, carved, cut or molded while in this state.
Greenware (ie. Bone Dry, dried for 14 days) - Items in this state are VERY fragile.
Greenware to Bisqueware
Bisque firing takes the item from a dry and fragile state to a hard and strong one
Items can be glazed in this state or finished using other methods.
Glazing - Glaze is painted on and takes items from Bisqueware to Earthenware
Earthenware to Glazeware
Glaze Firing: will make the item colorful, shiny and watertight.
For the finer details of each step, review each of the following:
The PTSA is the school's Parent Teacher Student Association. We are a registered not-for-profit comprised of parent volunteers, just like you, who help provide many programs and events at Creekside.
