Pinch Pot Fish

Sixth Grade
4 to 5 Class Periods

Pinch Pot Fish, Sixth Grade Art

Day 1

Students are given some background information on the origins of clay.  Vocabulary words discussed are: clay, kiln, wedging, pinch pot, slab, greenware, bisque ware, glaze ware.

Using a softball size of clay, students are shown how to create a pinch pot.  Clay is then wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a zip lock bag to be stored until Day 3 of the project.


Day 2

Students are given templates of fins and tails to use for their fish pinch pots.  They may choose one of the designs or create their own.

A clay slab is then rolled out to place the templates on.  Clay pieces are cut out. 

Cutting out templates for fins.

One dorsal fin, one tail and two side fins.  Pieces are carefully wrapped with a damp paper towel and stored in a separate zip lock bag from the pinch pot.

Day 3

All pieces are removed from their bags.  Student are shown how to lightly tap the pinch pot on the side to create the bottom of the fish.  I also demonstrate different ways the pinch pot opening could be pulled and pinch to create different shapes for the mouth.

Students are reminded on how to use the slip and score technique for the additive method of clay.  Fins are attached to the body of the pinch pot.  Students are encouraged to use their creativity skills to add other details to their fish: eyes, tongue, teeth, spikes, etc.

Pieces are labeled and set to dry.  Once dry they are placed in kiln for first firing.

Day 4

I have an assortment of glazes set out for the students to use to begin day 4.  We discuss the proper glazing techniques expected for this lesson.  Students are also reminded on clean up procedures.

Glazing the pinch pot.

Pieces are collected and once again fired in the kiln. 

Student Examples: