Art Teacher Notes: Engaging 2nd Grade Clay Project | Slip, Score, Blend & Classroom Tips

In Episode 1 of Art Teacher Diaries, I’m walking you through one of my most successful clay projects-designed to be manageable, engaging, and skill-building for second graders.
I’ll break down:
✅ How I structured the project for easy classroom management
✅ Why collaboration made a huge impact on student learning
✅ The simple tools I used (hello, styrofoam cups & trash bags!)
✅ My best slip, score, and blend teaching tips
✅ How I handle labeling, glazing, and even makeups for absent students
This project was a total win-students were engaged, confident, and proud of their work, and cleanup was so much easier than my usual clay lessons! Plus, I share how I use extra projects as gifts for staff.
💡 If you’re an art teacher looking for ways to streamline clay lessons, this one’s for you! Hit like & subscribe for more real-life teaching insights.
#ArtTeacherDiaries #ClayProjects #ElementaryArt #ArtClassroom #TeachingTips
Why this works:
✔️ Encourages collaboration & peer learning
✔️ Supports differentiated instruction
✔️ Allows for more one-on-one teacher interaction
✔️ Results in finished projects in just one class
How much clay ... I taught this lesson to 8 groups (22 students in all), with each class creating 6 bowls during practice. For materials, I used about ¾ of a block of clay per class, which totaled roughly 6 blocks of clay for all 8 groups.
Let me know in the comments if you try this approach in your classroom! 👩‍🏫🎨✨