Teeny Tiny Pinch Pot Containers

Teeny Tiny Pinch Pots

Meet The Teacher: Tasha Newton

I have been teaching art for 14 years—ten years in elementary and four years in middle and high school. I am passionate about inspiring students to fall in love with the creative process and helping them discover confidence through making art.

Project Description

Introduce your students to the pinch pot technique and basic ceramic process with this engaging project. They'll create a functional container they’ll be proud of and excited to share at home.

Materials

  • Clay (lowfire white preferred)
  • Toothbrush and water
  • Florescent watercolor or tempera cakes
  • Brushes
  • Glitter clear top coat (I use Mod Podge or Sargent Art)
Download Material List

Grade Level

Elementary School

Difficulty

Easy

Student Hands-On Time

Three 40-min class periods

Teacher Prep Time

1 hr

Project Cost / Cost Per Student

2

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.
  • Responding - Perceive and analyze artistic work.

STEAM Education

  • Arts

Differentiations and Accommodations

Differentiation

IEP

Accommodation

Provide gloves for students who do not like the feeling of clay Have students practice with play-dough first to better understand the pinch pot-making process . Pair students for peer modeling, with one student demonstrating while the other copies.

Learning Objectives: Knowledge

Students will acquire foundational knowledge of the pinch pot technique while gaining an understanding of the concept of functional art. Students will enhance their containers by incorporating color and details.

Learning Objectives: Skills

Students will acquire foundational techniques for creating a pinch pot. Students will apply the four S's of clay attachment—Shape, Score, Slip, and Smooth—to add a foot and a lid to their pot. Students will develop an understanding of functional art. Students will enhance their containers by incorporating color and details.

Formative Assessment

Exit Ticket, Observation Checklist, and Portfolio Check

Lesson Activities

Day One

Introduction to Pinch Pots. Begin by demonstrating the process of creating a pinch pot using play-dough. Allow students to practice this technique.Once students successfully create a pinch pot with playdough, they may progress to working with clay.Exit Ticket: Provide one example of a successful pinch pot, ensuring it meets the following criteria: uniform thinness throughout (about the thickness of your pinky, not exceeding that of your thumb), a smooth interior and exterior, and a non-flat bottom.

Day Two

Define functional art for the students and encourage them to share relevant examples. Demonstrate the technique for rolling coils intended for both the foot and lid of the project. Ensure students comprehend that the coil for the lid must fit securely inside their bowl and be affixed to the bottom of the pancake they have created for the lid.

Day Three

After the bisque-firing process is complete, demonstrate the application of fluorescent watercolors or tempera cakes to enhance the color of the containers. Discuss various techniques for incorporating patterns and designs to elevate the visual appeal of their pots. The paint is expected to dry relatively quickly. Upon completion, establish a designated station where students can apply a clear glitter coat to seal the paint.

Additional Documents

Document 1