Clay Creations

Description

Join us for fun, skill-building clay classes each week! Each mini-course focuses on a different type of clay, and students will compete in 6–7 projects. Clay is a great way for students to express themselves, gain hand strength, patience, and task completion. If your young artists like to get a little messy, this is the class for them! Please read the course descriptions for project plans for each unique mini-course.

The themes and focus for the 2025–2026 series of mini-courses are as follows. Please download this materials list.

Semester 1 (Fall 1 and Fall 2 sessions):

• Mini-course Fall 1, 2025
  
  • Theme: Oil-Based Modeling Clay
  • Projects include: Snail and Snake, Baby Birds in a nest, Starfish, Aliens/Monsters, Cactus in pot, 3D Animals
• Mini-course Fall 2, 2025
  
  • Theme:  Model Magic Clay
  • Projects include: Beads and amulet, Doughnuts, Cat Face, Piece of Pizza, People Faces, Craft Stick Puppets, Octopus

Semester 2 (Winter and Spring sessions):

• Mini-course Winter 2026 
  • Theme: Sculpey Oven Bake Clay
  • Projects include: One Ball Buddies, Key Chain, Ornaments, Lollipop, Gnome and Mushrooms, Chameleon
• Mini-course Spring 2026
  • Theme: Air Dry Clay
  • Projects include: Pinch Pot, Coil Pot, Sun Face, Bird Ornament, Folded Owl, Tree Plaque, Paint Day

Aside from simply learning foundational drawing skills, this course will also improve skills in the following areas:

• fine motor skills
• attention to detail
• boost self-confidence
• visualization
• self-discipline
• creative problem-solving

My teaching style is loving but firm. A good example of this is that I have a no commenting policy on artwork created in class.  This is because the students need to create for themselves, not for my approval or praise.  By not giving my personal opinion on students’ artwork, it creates a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, drawing for themselves, and this builds true self-confidence because of accomplishment as opposed to creating art a certain way for praise.  Feedback to all students will be done in positivity, kindness, and encouragement with a focus on the art concepts being studied over talent or skill level.  I like to get to know my students, and I allow some chatter during our last 15 minutes of class time when we are coloring in, as long as conversations remain appropriate. We only have one hour once a week together, so keeping us on track and avoiding too many distractions is paramount to me.

Supply List

Please have clay plus these items within arm’s reach each week:

• Small Box of Toothpicks
• Gartful Clay Placemat https://a.co/d/2tmHZRr
• Plastic Clay Tools https://a.co/d/7s25JhZ
• Scissors
• Honglida Rolling Pin https://a.co/d/cm0Md13
• Zippered Ziploc baggies, sandwich size
• Sketch book
• Colored Pencils
• LIS HEGENSA Seed Beads https://a.co/d/0MXb3oP

Course Structure

Live meetings via Zoom will occur every week on Wednesdays.

Each week, students will be guided through a new lesson inspired by nature, the Animal Kingdom, traditional clay techniques, and fun twists on old classics.

Weekly in-class assignments may include:

• A weekly 60-minute live meeting
• Interactive discussion of animals and their habitat
• In-class practice of skills being learned and mastered
• Student involvement in the learning process
• Mastering of techniques of media and the use of tools

Who should enroll?

Students in 1st—4th grades who are interested in art, sculpture, or clay, or who like to get a little messy and build with their hands. This is also a great class for children who need fine motor skill development, are in OT, or need hand strengthening. No previous art requirements are necessary.

There are no prerequisites, but children do need to be open-minded, patient, and willing to try new things.

Technology Requirements

• High-speed, broadband Internet
• Sound card and working microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
• Digital camera (can be a phone with a camera), or other means to photograph, scan, and upload student artwork

Evaluation and Feedback

There is no homework or requirement to upload artwork for evaluation. I will provide feedback/encouragement on all submitted artwork, focusing on understanding and demonstration of the concept versus artistic skill/natural talent. The goal is to improve skills at the individual level. This is a non-graded course.

Communication

I will confirm registration with parents and provide a welcome email with clear details and video instructions on how to navigate this course. All parents are welcome to join us in Canvas as observers, and I will respond to all parents’ and students’ questions within 24 hours via email or Canvas message. For a quicker response, please email my business: theartparkwichita@aimacademy.online.