1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Art

The clay work that was completed is dried and currently being fired in the kiln. The 1st and 2nd grade class finished their projects in two classes, the 3rd grade class needed one more class to build the Porifera for the lids to their vessels. There is always a push and pull with ceramics as to how much clean-up I do on the students work. It is difficult to not go through the functional cups or bowls and sponge out all the spots they missed on their final craftsmanship check. For a few years, I would smooth out the rough edges on cup rims or straighten out the shape of the bowl. I have stopped doing that so the students understand the importance of taking the time with the details of clay. It is difficult to have a crooked bowl shape or a rim that is too sharp to drink out of, but the next time the students create in clay, they remember to take care with the final boring steps of sponging and clean up! I will begin the glazing unit after all the greenware has been fired.