Clay Sorting Hats
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Sorting Hats using ceramic techniques learned in class
- Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by Harry Potter Novel Series by J.K. Rowling
- Use sculpture techniques (carving, casting, modeling, assembling) and design principles (balance, proportion, emphasis) based on British Author (1965-Present) J.K. Rowling
- Define Crest (a decorative symbol placed on top of a hat in a coat of arms)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. The Sorting Hat 2016) Kelly Walker
2. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone by J.K.Rowling
3. Discussion Questions "If the sorting hat could talk to you before it said your house, what would it ask first? What colors, patterns, or magical symbols would you add to your sorting hat to show your personality? Would your hat be old and patched? Would your hat be shiny and new? What magical things would your hat do (glow, whisper, show images)? What would you hope that the sorting hat would say about you? If you were in a different house for one day, which one would you pick/? What would your sorting hat song be about? Which house trait (bravery, cleverness, loyalty, ambition) feels most like you right now? When you must make a tough choice, do you try to be brave, smart, fair, or strategic? What is one thing you are good at? Does it sound like Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin? If you could have one magical power, what would it be, and which house would that power best fit with?"
Lesson Activities
1. Turn clay slabs into basic shapes (oval, cylinder, organic) for the positive space (foreground, hat) of the Clay Sorting Hats
2. Use modeling tools to draw features (crest, facial expressions, patches) for the positive space (foreground, hat) of the Clay Sorting Hats
3. Add lines for the facial features (nose, mouth, yes) for the positive space (foreground, hat) of the Clay Sorting Hats
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Sorting Hats for Assigned Tables
2. The Sorting Ceremony (2018) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
3. Discussion Questions "What was the most challenging part of working with the clay? What did you learn about clay properties (wet, dry, hard, soft) as you were working with it? What part of the process was your favorite? How is your ceramic artwork different from anything you have seen before? What choices did you make to ensure your creation would stand up or hold together? What story does your artwork tell, or what adventure is your sorting hat going on? If your artwork could make a sound or a piece of music, what would it sound like? What title would you give your artwork, and why did you choose that name? How does your finished project make you feel, and how might it make others feel? What advice would you give a friend who is about to start their first clay project? How does this project remind you of something else you have seen or done in another class?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add lines for proportions (head, body) within the silhouette (foreground, hat) of the Clay Sorting Hats
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, long top, crescent bottom) for the positive space (foreground, hat) of the Clay Sorting Hats
3. Use needle tools to draw features (eyes, nose, mouth) for the positive space (foreground, hat) of the Clay Sorting Hats
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Sorting Hats for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, needle tools, rubber mat)
Lesson Activities
1. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the positive space (foreground, hat) of the Clay Sorting Hats
2. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Sorting Hats
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial features, facial proportions, and accessories of the Clay Sorting Hats
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Posts
