Rooster Wall Pocket

Elements of Art/Principles of Design

Shape: an enclosed space defined by a line or by contrast to its surroundings.
Form: a 3-dimensional shape that exists in space instead of in only two dimensions like something drawn on paper.  Artists use both shape and form to create sculptures. More information can be found on the Shape and Form Reference Page.
Texture: the feeling, consistency or appearance of a surface or substance.
Pattern/Repetition: repeating art elements used in a regular or cyclical way to create interest, movement and/or harmony and unity.
Symmetry: the way in which one part of something duplicates another part.

Vocabulary

Clay: a fine-grained, firm earthy material that is plastic (sculpt-able) when wet and hardens when heated, consisting primarily of water, silica (sand) of aluminum and other minerals.
Scoring (also called Scratch, Slip and Score or Scratch and Attach): a process for attaching two pieces of clay that involves scratching the surfaces that will be in contact.
Template: a shaped piece of material used as a pattern for things such as painting or cutting out.

Materials & Supplies

Context (History and/or Artists)

Made of very small particles of weathered rock, clay contains silica, water and clay minerals.  Clay is plastic (sculpt-able) when wet, and stays together when dry. Clay is widely used in making bricks, tiles and pottery.

Advanced Preparation

Cut paper templates
Gather all supplies
Pre-cut clay to make slabs

Tips & Tricks

To roll even clay slabs, place the clay on a piece of canvas. Place guide sticks on either side of the clay. Using a rolling pin, roll the clay slab to the desired size, making sure to flip the clay frequently. Also, make sure that the rolling pin rolls over both the guide sticks. This ensures an even thickness.

Go over the Scratch and Attach process carefully with students. Show them how to scratch the surface in a crosshatch design then apply a thin layer of water, vinegar or slip to one of the sides. This acts as glue. Firmly press the two pieces together.

Instructions for Lesson

1. Roll out clay slabs. Trace the body and belly shapes onto the clay using the paper template and a pencil. Cut out the shapes using a needle tool or plastic knife.
       
2. Decorate the belly slab using various textures.
     
3. Wad up small pieces of newspaper and place them on the lower part of the body. Scratch and apply slip, water or vinegar to the edges that will be joined together. Then, place the decorated belly slab on top of the newspaper. Attach the edges, making sure the newspaper is not in the seams.
       
4. Make two small balls of equal size and attach them in place for eyes. Using the back of a skewer or the tip of a pencil, pierce the eye to make a pupil. Make a beak and attach. Add a skinny clay worm for a wattle. Always use the scratch and attach technique to be sure that the eyes or beak will not fall off.
   
5. To make feathers, roll out thick, short worms and press down on them to flatten. Use tools on them to add texture. Scratch, apply water/slip, and attach the feathers. Leave the newspaper in place during the drying process.
   
6. Using a plastic straw, pierce a hole somwhere near the top of the rooster while it is wet, so it can be hung after being fired.
    

Examples of finished Rooster Wall Pockets:
  

Reflection Point (Assessment of Learning Objectives)

Observe whether students are following instructions. Were the pieces attached correctly? How is their craftsmanship?

Notes For Educators

Habits of Mind
Goal setting, observing, making connections, visualizing, sequencing, problem solving, cause and effect, evaluating

WA State Learning Standards
(VA:Cr1.2.2) a. Make art or design with various materials and tools to explore personal interests, questions, and curiosity. 
(VA:Cr2.1.2) a. Experiment with various materials and tools to explore personal interests in a work of art or design. 
(VA:Cr2.2.2) a. Demonstrate safe procedures for using and cleaning art tools, equipment, and studio spaces. 

Arts Integration Opportunities
Geology, Earth Science

Please note:  These lesson plans are intended for non-profit use only. Use of these plans for commercial purposes should give attribution to the Issaquah Schools Foundation and be accompanied by a nominal donation at www.isfdn.org/donate. Thank you.

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