5th Grade Slab Birdhouses

Each year, students explore and experiment w/ ceramics and clay.  We add a new technique each year so they're building onto previous knowledge.
Kindergarten & 1st grade start w/ scratching and pressing to make impressions.
2nd grade does pinch pots.
3rd grade uses the scoring technique to attach two pieces together.
4th grade makes coil pots.
5th grade uses the slab construction.

We start out by rolling a slab/flat piece of clay.  Next, we cut a circle, then cut out a quarter (make a Pac Man.)  Next, we roll it up into a cone and score the edges to make the roof.

After the roof is finished, we roll out another slab and cut a rectangle.  Once the rectangle is cut, it's time for windows and other scratched details.  Roll it up into a cylinder and score the two edges.  Roll out another slab and place the cylinder onto the slab to trace for a base.  Score and smooth out the edges and let it dry before firing in the kiln.

After they've been fired, glaze and re-fire and they're ready to go!
The end products are amazing!

Thiebaud Gumball Machines

Inspired by Wayne Thiebaud's paintings of Americana, kindergarteners made their own!

The Dot!

Peter Reynold's book, The Dot, is one of our favorite back to school reads.

Inspired by the book, kindergarteners and 1st graders made their own!