7th Grade Choice Ceramics

One of the questions that always comes up when discussing Teaching for Artistic Behavior is does it meet the standards? The answer is yes! TAB can work really well with the National Arts Standards.

When I was planning my 7th grader's choice ceramics project, I used 3 standards as the focus:

VA:Cr1.1.7

I can apply methods to overcome creative blocks. I can use different approaches to solve problems.

VA:Cr2.1.7

I can demonstrate persistence in developing skills with various materials, methods, and approaches in creating works of art.

VA:Cr1.2.7

I can develop criteria to guide making a work of art or design to meet an identified goal.

I explained to the students that we were going to discuss what they think makes a ceramic project successful and then they would work together to decide on criteria for success- this is the identified goal from VA:Cr1.2.7. The students said the main success points for them were:

1. Details to make it look realistic, like adding textures

2. Coloring makes sense

3. Stable- stands or sits how it's supposed to

4. Smooth seams and stron attachments

As the students brainstormed, I recorded what they said and then printed the finalized list for reference. 

We looked at Oldenburg's and Thiebaud's food pop art before we started the project so that students who were more comfortable with having a starting point could use food as a theme. Others came up with their own ideas and checked with me before starting to work.

I made a rookie mistake when firing their projects. I had recently fired to cone 5 for the first time and programmed the kiln too quickly to notice that it said 5 instead of 05. Their projects were... a little crispy. A few melted and they were all dark brown. Thankfully they were very understanding and ok with painting with acrylic instead of glazing! I won't make that mistake again!