Clay Coil Pot

Kelsey and Ella taught us the lesson, "Clay Coil Pot!"  This lesson is geared for fourth graders, and is focused on clay modeling and the technique of coiling it.  The first step in the lesson was to knead the clay.  We each got a ball of clay about the size of a fist.  We worked with the clay to get all the air bubbles out.  To check for absence of air bubbles, Ella and Kelsey used a tool called a clay cutter (which is a thin wire string with two wooden handles on each side) to slice through the center of the clay.  If there weren't any signs of bubbles, you were to move on to the next step!  Next, we made a base for our clay pot, which is a thin (not too thin though, because we need to support the clay! :)) circle.  The remaining clay we had was to be used for the pot, using the coil technique.  We rolled a chunk of clay back and forth between our fingers on the table until it stretched out into a snakelike shape.  We continued to coil pieces of clay, and combined them into one long coil.  When we combined them it was important to "score" them (meaning taking a clay tool and scoring or making marks in the clay, which acts like an adhesive where the two coils meet).  As the coil piece started at the base, it continued to wrap around, increasing the height of my pot.  We also added drops of water to patch up holes between coils or smoothing the inside.  Once your pot was to the height and size you desired, our next step was to add our name at the bottom with one of the tools, as well as a symbol.  The symbol was to be something that was important to you and/or your culture.  I chose a cross inside my pot at the base.  A cross was chosen, because my faith and relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ, is everything to me!  This clay was a type of air dry clay, so it did not need to be fired in a kiln.  So we were advised to wait a day to let it dry and harden in order to paint it.  Once it was dry, I painted my coil pot pink, teal, purple, and yellow, because they are some of my favorite colors, and I like to combination of them together! :)  This clay project was an enjoyable lesson to take part in!

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, I would have the students get together in groups to find out background information and the history of clay pots.  They can find the what, why, where, and how they were used in the past as well as today.  Each group will present the information they find through a brief verbal presentation (using a poster or other idea they may have!), a skit, or PowerPoint!  This will give the students an awareness of the benefits clay pots have around the world.