by Janice Wiskamp

OBJECTIVE:
The children will roll out a slab, cut parts from slab, construct a box utilizing slip and scoring, and impress a surface texture into the clay. The box will in some way represent themselves. Perhaps the outside personality and the real inner self.

TIME TO COMPLETE LESSON:
You may need 2 hours, depending of course on your set-up. If you prepare the slabs ahead of time, an hour and a half should be sufficient.

SUPPLIES:

• ceramic clay, (I like CT-3) 1/4" thick boards (lattice boards)rolling pins or dowels for rolling out claytable knives or popsicle stickssmall containers for slipmaterials for surface texture: burlap, dried weeds, pine cones, shells, old costume jewelry, small plastic toys, etc.clay tools


• newspapers.

MOTIVATIONAL SUGGESTIONS/REFERENCES:
Study some examples or pictures of slab built pottery and pottery that has been given interesting surface textures. You can find pictures in galleries, museum gift shop postcards, or textbooks.

PROCEDURES/TECHNIQUES:
Discuss with students how artists use color, shape and texture to express their ideas. Allow time for them to sketch a box that somehow represents themselves by way of these principles. Cover work area with newspaper. Place lattice boards on top. Roll out clay between boards until it is a uniform thickness. Very young children may need this step done for them. Use knife or popsicle stick to cut out a rectangle about 4" x 6" for the base of the box. You can use templates for this. Cut two side pieces 2" x 4" and two more side pieces 2" x 6". (You can vary these sizes depending on age, availibilty of clay and time) Scoring is scratching the surfaces to be joined together. Slip is a thin mixture of clay and water about the consistency of heavy cream. Build the box by scoring at the edges of the clay pieces that will be adjoined. Add some slip, and then press the edges together firmly so that there are no gaps. Wipe off excess slip. Continue process until the box is completed. Lids may also be constructed using the same process. Supporting a side of the box with one hand, impress a textured object into the damp clay to create a surface texture where desired. Let dry. Fire, glaze and glaze fire.

HELPFUL HINTS:
Very wet clay cannot support itself. Use damp clay and work quickly.

EVALUATION:
Did the child use the slip and score technique to build a slab pot? Did child decorate it with some texture to make it their own? How does the project portray their personality—use of color, certain patterns, or perhaps initials? Spend time in a small group critique if possible so that each child can tell about their personality box.

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