Art is My Jam

Clay Set Up - Prep Work

This is my first year teaching clay because, I never had a kiln before. So like any good art teacher, I researched it to death but, figured out that I needed to create my own game plan. So over the next few weeks, I'll be posting some of my own tips, tricks, etc... I don't have it all figured out but, maybe these posts will help another art teacher. 

Preparing Your Clay:

Rolled Clay

Slab Roller

I separate slabs with
plastic sleeves.

1. Roll out your slabs ahead of time.

- I'm fortunate enough to have a slab roller so I can roll slabs out for students to make things faster. 

NOTE: I do however have built into my lessons time for them to practice hand rolling their own clay and practice time for using all the different tools. I do this prior to giving them their final slabs for creating their projects.

2. Separate your slabs so they don't stick together. 

- I use thick plastic dividers to separate mine. They peel off and then I can reuse them over and over. 

Bagged and Labeled Slabs

3. Bag your slabs of clay.

- Make sure to seal your bags really well. I add wet paper towels inside my bags just to make sure the clay stays moist. I've been able to keep these bags for 2 weeks with no problem. I'm sure you could keep them longer if they are really thick plastic and you've sealed them well. 

4. Label bags with number of slabs.

- This just helps you to keep things organized. 

5. Declutter your art room.

- Put away anything and everything you don't need in your art room. You will need the counter and storage space for your students projects. 

6. Storage bags and paper towels.

- Use plastic bags to store the students incomplete projects in. Use paper towels so they can keep one inside their bags to keep their clay moist. I have them use masking tape to label their bags with their names, teacher and grade. Also I have students keep the same paper towel (recycle it) but, just re-wet it each day. 

This is just the start, I will be posting more pictures, tips and tricks over the next few weeks so check out my posts. I'll also be posting sneak peeks of the students awesome art, too.