Visual Arts - NCCA

Strand: Clay Theme: Making marks Level: 1
Information
A unit of work for students at the early scribbling stage
The student should be enabled to
• explore and experiment with clay and with simple clay tools
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feel and see the effect of his/her mark-making on and into the surface of clay
gain an understanding of the qualities and characteristics of clay
explore the decorative possibilities of pattern through imprint
make a clay plaque decorated with impressions.
Stimulus Language
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Hands are unique and everyone is different. (This
can include the previous handprint activity.)
We can make marks that are different from
everyone else’s marks.
Find and collect textured (not smooth) objects for
class displays—bark on trees, orange peel, shells,
pinecones, etc.
Find and make collections for display of some
patterned/textured pottery, carved wood, etc. for
students to handle and examine.
Activity
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Guidelines Mild General learning disabilities / Visual Arts / PRIMARY
The vocabulary of texture—smooth, rough,
bumpy, etc.
Describing what clay feels like
Describing what actions we can perform with
clay—pushing, pressing, scratching, rolling,
squeezing, etc.
First, the student is given a piece of natural clay (terracotta or buff) for rolling out, and a rolling pin. The clay
is rolled flat to form a tile/plaque onto which the student can make marks (approximately 1cm thick).
The student can begin to decorate the tile by pressing his/her hand into the clay and making an imprint of
the hand.
Other similar activities that can be incorporated into this activity include making a pattern with found objects
such as forks, lollipop sticks, bottle tops, marker tops.
When dry, the clay may be painted and glossed if desired, remembering to leave a small hole in order to
allow for a hanging string.
Assessment
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Exemplar 4: Visual Arts
Has the student attempted to make marks onto the clay surface?
What evidence is there of awareness of pattern?
Can the student choose a favourite piece for display purposes?
Could the student take a photograph of a completed piece for inclusion in a portfolio?