Student Work: 3rd Grade Pinch Pots

Here at Doulos, we don't get to do very many clay projects-- mostly because a lack of resources and space. But last year I purchases a packet of Sculpey over-bake clay. The opportunity finally arose to use it with a class. The third graders studied ancient Egypt for their spring expedition this semester. As they learned about different aspects of that culture and civilization they focused on the different castes and roles in the society. I got to come in and role-play as an ancient Egyptian artisan!

After doing that, it dawned on me that we should create something out of clay like the ancient artisans did...uh duh brilliant art teacher. Integrating into the core subjects (especially social studies) has been such an fun part of my work at Doulos. The students love it because they already are growing experts on a topic and it actually makes my job easier because I don't have to spend a ton of time on history, geography, or other background information because they already know it!

As soon as we started working with clay the students became so excited. They were practically giddy before each art class when I went to bring them to the art room. The shear fact of using a different material I think made them so engaged, but also because they were really learning a new craft (and this class in particular loves learning new things.)

After we finished our pinch pots, the students filled out a little reflection form like we do after most projects. Some of their responses were too great not to share!

When you look at your artwork how do you feel?

"... good, because I'm learning how to do new things."

"...delightful, because when I see it, it reminds me that I am an artisan."

"...good, because it is an artwork, a real cool artwork."

"...happy, because now I have something to put stuff in."

What will you put inside your pinch pot?

"...candy, or something that I can eat."

"...my collection of little rocks."

"...5 pesos to buy cornflakes" (every cereal here is referred to as "cornflakes")

"...money, a marble, or a necklace."

"...my secret things that no one is going to know."

"...salchichitas."  (translation: little hot dogs)

If you could make anything out of clay, what would you make next?

"...a bird or a worm."

"...a heart pinch pot or a star pinch pot."

"...a clay bird lid and a nest pinch pot as the bottom."

You'll notice that many students styled their pinch pot and lid like little beetles. This is because we also spent time discuss the symbol of the scarab beetle in ancient Egyptian culture.