Story Telling Plate

Meet The Teacher: Rebecca Bufis

I teach at South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, NJ.  I currently teach High School Art, Drawing and AP Art History.  Next year we will be launching a brand new Intro to Ceramics class that I am so excited for. 

Project Description

Through handbuilding with clay students will create a story telling plate.  The story can be personal, representing moments in their lives or a familiar story that they connect with.  They will explore many clay techniques to create relief and texture as they create a composition that tells a narrative.

Materials

  • Clay
  • Clay tools
  • Glaze
Download Material List

Grade Level

High School

Difficulty

Intermediate

Student Hands-On Time

Approx 6, 80 minute classes.

Teacher Prep Time

30 minutes, prepping clay, explaining techniques.

National Core Arts Standards - Visual Arts

  • Creating - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas.
  • Creating - Organize and develop artistic work.
  • Creating - Conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work.
  • Presenting - Develop skills for artistic presentation and exhibition.
  • Responding - Perceive and analyze artistic work.
  • Responding - Interpret intent and meaning in artwork.
  • Connecting - Relate artistic ideas to historical, cultural, and social contexts.
  • Connecting - Connect personal experiences with artmaking and meaning.

21st Century Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Communication
  • Flexibility & Adaptability
  • Initiative & Self-Direction
  • Productivity & Accountability

STEAM Education

  • Arts

Differentiations and Accommodations

Differentiation

IEP

Accommodation

Students who need it, will be given more time on the project. If needed students will get additional one on one teacher time for a better understanding of the expectations of the project.

Learning Objectives: Knowledge

Students should be able to use and describe the proper way to use clay, especially Score, Slip and Secure.

Learning Objectives: Skills

Students will acquire handbuilding knowledge for clay as well was how to create varieties of relief and texture.  They will use their skills in translating a flat drawing to a 3-dimensional piece and basic glazing techniques.

Learning Objectives: Attitudes/Values

Students will be able to explore personal topics to them and learn about other topics from viewing fellow students artwork.  It builds a sense of community through expressing their stories through art.

Formative Assessment

Assessment will be ongoing throughout each class as the teacher observes the students working and addresses their needs as problems arise.

Summative Assessment

The project includes a rubric that the students will be graded on.

Reflection and Discussion

The projects will be displayed along with their reflections for a class Gallery walk where the students can comment on each other's pieces and ask questions about them.

Lesson Activities

Story Telling Plate

Students will create a narrative based plate that tells a story that has meaning to them. This project takes several classes and teaches the students, expression as well as how to handle and work with clay.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

1. After showing the students a powerpoint about what the project is they will sketch ideas for their narrative plate. 2. Students will discuss their idea with the teacher and hash out any details or problems that might arise when constructing the piece. 3. The teacher will demonstrate the techniques needed for the project. This includes: -Wedging clay -Making slabs in order to form the plate as the base. -How to make coils and pinch pots that could be incorporated into their design.

Additional Documents

Document 1

Document 2