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Experience Clay - 2-Day Session for 4-6 Year Olds

I taught a 2-day youth ceramics class to 4-6 year olds a few weeks ago. Boy, did I have my work cut out for me! The class had 12 children enrolled, most of whom were 4 or 5. I think I was a little ambitious in terms of what a group that large could do. But, I believe they had fun during our two 1-hour sessions.

Week 1

COLORFUL PINCH POTS - The children made pinch pots and were instructed to use at least 3 colors of engobe (a clay-based paint). They were given a round ball of clay and shown how to form using pinches to make a nice little pot. This skill would help them with their Week 2 work.



ART MEDALLIONS - There was time to paint a second piece. I prepared medallions for the students to paint. After firing they can become art to hang on the wall.



Week 2

PINCH POT PETS - The children were good at making pinch pots. This day they made them again but flipped them over and made them into a cat or dog. Most chose cats. These took some time and the children were very patient making them.



Once they were done they were allowed to either make a letter using scrap clay to fire or just play with some scraps. Most chose to play. But a few made letters and I high fired them using a nice blue glaze.
 

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