Clay Art Lessons for Kids
There’s nothing like the look on a kid’s face when they open the kiln, or pull their air dry clay project off the shelf. These clay and 3D art lessons cover pinch pots, slab boxes and more, with steps that make clay feel doable even if you’re new to it.
My favorite lessons for this
Ready-to-teach lessons from my shop. Each card shows the grade range for that lesson.
Elements of Art: Shape and Form UnitGrades 6 to 9See the lesson
Clay Doodle Pinch PotsGrades 5 to 8See the lesson
Ceramic Dragon Clay ProjectGrades 5 to 8See the lesson
Ceramic Pineapple Clay SculptureGrades 3 to 6See the lesson
Ceramic Name Plate Clay Tile LessonGrades 5 to 8See the lesson
Clay Monster Ceramics LessonGrades 5 to 8See the lesson
Slab Slump Bowl Ceramics LessonGrades 6 to 9See the lesson
Ceramic Sea Turtle Earth Day Art ProjectGrades 4 to 7See the lessonFree ideas from my blog
Free tools
Supplies I recommend
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Questions teachers and parents ask me
Do I need a kiln?
No. Many projects work with air dry clay. Ceramic clay that needs firing gives a sturdier result if your school has a kiln.
What is a pinch pot?
A small pot made by pressing your thumb into a ball of clay and pinching the walls up evenly as you turn it. It’s a classic first clay project.
How do I keep clay pieces from falling apart?
Score and slip: scratch both surfaces, add a little watery clay, and press them together firmly.
What age can start clay?
Kids can start in kindergarten with simple shapes and pinch pots, then build slab and coil projects as they get older.
Want it all planned for you?
The Artastic Collective is my full art curriculum, with lessons, videos and printables for the whole school year. Come take a peek!
More art lessons to explore
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