Art Lesson Plan

Title: African Coil Pot Unit: Coil Pots

Grade level (s): 1st Grade Medium: Model Magic or Clay
Suggested Time: 1 day for 45 minutes

Instructional Objectives (2-3):

Students will create African Coil Pots.

Students will be able to understand the different purposes and uses for coil pots.

Elements of Art (1-3) line, color, shape, form, space, texture, value
Form because the pots are three-dimensional. Texture so the kids can experience the
way that clay feels like.

Principles of Design (1-3) repetition, pattern, movement, balance, emphasis, contrast, unity
Emphasis because the coils make your eyes gravitate to them with your artwork. Unity
because the different coils and layers all work together to create beautiful pieces of
artwork.

Materials and Equipment: Model Magic or Clay, example coil pots, computer or
laptop, coil pot power point

General Vocabulary (4-5): Additive Sculpture, Coil, Modeling, Three-Dimensional,

Ceramics

Art Production (based on Madeline Hunter model)

1.anticipatory set 2. state objectives 3. Input: art history, instructions 4.demonstration, modeling
5. check for understanding 6. guided practice 7. independent practice 8. closure

Anticipatory set- When the students enter the classroom, display different examples of
coil pots. Preferably on a front table or counter top. After they are all seated ask them if
they know what the ceramic artwork is.

State Objectives- Today the students will create African coil pots. They will also be able
to understand the different uses and purposes for the coil pots.

Input- You will pull up the coil pot power point and present it to the class. As you
present the power point explain how they have many different uses.

Demonstration, Modeling- Show different coil pots and have the kids carefully pass
them around. If they are younger walk around the room with it so they can get a closer
look without breaking anything. After showing the examples, model how to roll out the
clay to look like long skinny snakes. Explain that they dont need to smash and pound
the clay. They need to be gentle with the clay.

Check for Understanding- Are we rough with the clay? Do we eat the clay? Do we
throw the clay at others?

Guided Practice- 1. Start off my passing out the Model Magic or slabs of clay
2. Have them make a base for their pots. You do this by flattening out a small circle,
square, or whatever shape they want their pot to be. Circle would probably be the
easiest.
3. Show them how to make swirls. To do this you roll out a long skinny piece of clay so
that it looks like a snake. After rolling out your clay, you grab one end of the clay and
start rolling it in towards the clay and keep rotating the clay to make a swirl.
4. Show them how to layer their clay on the base with either swirls or long skinny pieces
of clay. If you choose to do long skinny pieces, then you place it around the bas eof your
pot and layer it on top of each piece. If you choose to start off with swirls, you place the
swirl on the base and then carefully press the bottom of the swirl onto the base so it
stays in place.
5. Show them how to make little balls of clay by taking a small piece of clay and rolling it
around in a circular motion in the palms of your hands.

Independent Practice- Now that you have shown them all the different ways to form
the clay. Let them create their own unique coil pots. Walk around the classroom and
give them compliments on their creations. Help them if they need it. If they finish early
give them a piece of paper and a few crayons and have them draw coil pots or
appropriate artwork.

Closure- When everyone is finished. Have everyone walk around the classroom and
look at everyones coil pot and give them a compliment.

Assessment (should relate to objectives):

Have the students tell you one purpose for a coil pot. It could also be any kind of
ceramic piece of work. Some acceptable answers would be to hold things, to
build houses, to have look nice, etc.

Modifications / Special Notes / Drawings

If there is a child with Developmental Delays. Give them one task to do at a time.
When they finish, that task have them raise their hand then give them the next
step. Give them one step at a time. I would recommend trying to stay close to the
child while also keeping an eye on the rest of the children. This child may need
your help with rolling and flattening out the clay.