Teacher name: Lauren Bakker

Lesson title: Zodiac Clay Animals

Time frame: 4 classes
Sequence Theme/Big Idea: The rich history and culture of Chinese
traditions plays a role in the creation of art and art history
Grade level: 4th
Lesson Narrative:
Chinese culture and traditional Chinese art has had such a huge
influence of the Western world. Their use of materials and techniques
has given way to new ways of making artwork and has influenced
artists throughout history. Ceramic pottery and sculpture has been an
especially important influence in historical Chinese and modern
artwork. The Chinese Zodiac is a very interesting part of the Chinese
culture. This calendar of sorts tells us more about ourselves and what
might be going on around us, making us more self aware and true to
ourselves.
Lesson Rationale:
This lesson builds off the students prior knowledge of ceramic
handbuilding techniques that they have practiced, starting in
kindergarten through 3rd grade. Combining the techniques of making
pinch pots and making coils students will create an animal sculpture
based on the Chinese Zodiac. Introducing the Chinese Zodiac in the art
classroom context opens students minds to culture they might not
know too much about in a creative and interactive way. Students can
relate to and identify with the positive personality traits of the animals
for each Zodiac year. This promotes positive self-talk among students
and promotes a positive work environment. Texture and Movement will
be emphasized as key vocabulary terms throughout the planning and
building stages. This will help students push themselves creatively
when creating their animal sculptures.
Key Concepts:
1. The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year cycle of animals, each with their
own significances and personality traits.
2. The elements of art and principles of design influence the design
and brainstorming process of making art.
3. Ceramic handbuilding skills such as the pinch pot technique and
coil building will be utilized in the creation of the clay animal
sculpture.
Objectives:

1. Students will pick one zodiac animal to make

2. Students will draw a sketch or plan for their zodiac animal
3. Using their planning sketch as a reference, students will begin
build their zodiac animal out of clay
4. Students will glaze their bisque fired zodiac animal
State Standards:
Indiana Standards:
3.6.1 Demonstrate refined perceptual skills in the production of
artwork.
3.6.6 Demonstrate respect for personal work and the work of others.
3.7.1 Apply elements (line, shape, form, texture, color, and space) and
principles (repetition, variety, rhythm, proportion, movement, balance,
emphasis) in artwork that effectively communicates ideas.
3.8.2 Create artwork utilizing concepts, subject matter, or the sign
systems of other disciplines.
3.8.3 Identify and compare similar concepts or principles found in
visual art and other art forms.
Ohio Standards:
2PE Identify the relationships between and among selected elements
and principles of art and design.
1PR Demonstrate skill and expression in the use of art techniques and
processes.
5RE Use feedback and self-assessment to improve the quality of
personal artworks.
Materials:
One pound ball of clay (25)
Plastic Knife tools
Wire tool
Needle tools
Shells
Wooden boards
Bowls of water
Paint brushes

Lesson Vocabulary:
Texture: The perceived surface quality of a piece of art.
Movement: Elements of art working together to make a picture or
subject looking like they are in motion.
Mood: The overall feeling of an artwork.
Pinch Technique: Starting with a ball of clay, pressing your thumb in
the middle and pinching around the edge of your clay form.
Coil Technique: Rolling a piece of clay until it looks like a snake.
Historical/Multicultural Exemplars:
Beth Cavener is a ceramic sculpture artist who creates very expressive
and visually interesting pieces. Her subject is the combination of
animal forms and human feelings and emotions.
Visual Culture Component:
Students will apply their knowledge of specific ceramic handbuilding
techniques and the elements of art to create their animal sculpture.
They will engage in the art of Beth Cavener and explore how the use of
movement influence the mood of the animal they are sculpting.
Procedure:
Hook: I will show students a slide presentation and engage them
in an open discussion on the ceramics sculptures of artist Beth
Cavener.

Dialogue:
Day 1: Presentation and Planning
Following my presentation I will ask students to begin brainstorming a
zodiac animal they want to focus on for their clay sculpture project. I
will encourage them to be thinking about an action or movement they
would like their animal to be doing. I will also encourage them to be
thinking about how to create different textures using clay and clay
sculpting tools. Students will put their names on their sketches and I
will keep them to be passed out when they begin sculpting their animal
next class.

Day 2: Clay Work Day

At the beginning of class I will go over the different handbuilding
techniques to refresh students memories. Following the quick slide
show students will get their one pound piece of clay and begin
working. This day will be completely devoted to working with clay and
building the majority of our zodiac animals. I will encourage students to
have the majority of their animal constructed by the end of this class.
Day 3: Finishing Wet Clay
This is devoted to putting finishing touches on the clay zodiac
sculptures. Clay animals must be finished by the end of this class
period.
Day 4: Glazing
After the clay animals have been bisque fired, students will spend one
class period glazing their animals.