The Art of Problem-Solving in Lower School Ceramics - Part 1
The Spotlight
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The Art of Problem-Solving in Lower School Ceramics - Part 1
Leslie Yagar, Dayna Sable, and Courtney Zarrilli
Art class at Harbor Day School gives students the chance to explore a variety of materials that engage their senses through hands-on lessons emphasizing problem-solving, risk-taking, and self-expression. Among these materials, clay is always a favorite. Its tactile, moldable texture makes it a versatile medium for creating three-dimensional works of art.
From the very start, kindergarteners are introduced to the basic skills needed to work with clay. They begin with simple projects that explore texture and pattern on slabs, pressing tools into clay and folding it into whimsical creations like little owls. By the end of the year, students are ready to take on more challenging projects, such as sculpting a three-dimensional animal. Using a pinch pot as a base, they learn to attach additional clay pieces with the slip-and-score method, gaining confidence in both technique and creativity.
As students move through the lower school years, Ms. Yagar continues to build upon their skills by layering new techniques and encouraging more imagination in their work. By third grade, students revisit the pinch pot, this time transforming it into a lively “monster” with arms, tails, multiple eyes, silly tongues, and wobbly teeth. These playful creatures eventually find their way into Mrs. Hogsett’s science class, where they become part of a lesson on the life cycle of plants. Coated in chia seeds and placed under heat lamps, the monsters sprout a thick coat of green fuzz, much like the iconic Chia Pets of the 1980s.
By fourth grade, students are ready to take on coil building, one of the oldest ceramic techniques. Using coils of clay, they construct vessels, connecting their modern classroom practice with an art form that has been practiced by cultures around the world for thousands of years. In addition, students learn how to transform a two-dimensional drawing into a three-dimensional freestanding sculpture. They begin by cutting slabs of clay, which are then scored and slipped to join the edges. Then they work to balance the weight, and make adjustments to ensure stability so that their sculpture will stand on its own. This process not only builds technical skill but also gives students a deeper appreciation for structure, design, and problem-solving in the art-making process.
Within the lower school art curriculum, ceramics not only strengthens artistic skills but also fosters creativity, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary connections. Through clay, students discover links to history, science, and their own imagination—gaining a deeper appreciation for how art shapes both personal expression and the world around them.