How to make a nocturnal animal out of clay

Here’s how to make a nocturnal animal out of clay with video demonstrations and easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. This project can be used alongside nature/animal/habitat topics or just as something fun to make! I have made this project in the past with children who had the book ‘Owl Babies’ as their English topic. Ideal as part of an art day/art week.

There are three versions to chooses from:

Oval owl in a tree
Oval owl in a tree with the moon
Round owl in a tree with a spider’s web (this version would be suitable for Halloween.)

Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards including SEN children and any child needing additional support. If you are new to clay, allow a whole afternoon to make this project if you can. I have made this project with children in Year 1 and would suggest making it in small groups at a time.

This project is made using three basic shapes, a ball, a bean, and a sausage shape. There is also a video included demonstrating how to make these shapes.

This project can also work as a one to one activity or in small groups.

What you need:
clay
pencils
lolly sticks
Lid of a marker pen (for the moon)
pots of slip or water
paintbrushes
acrylic paints

What you get:
Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an owl in a tree’
Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an owl in a tree with a spider too’
Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an owl in a tree with the moon’
Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your owl’
Video showing how to make an owl in a tree
Video showing how to make an owl in a tree with a spider too
Video showing how to make an owl in a tree with the moon
Video showing how to make paint your owl
Video showing how to make four basic shapes (ignore the carrot shape)
Video showing how to press your clay flat

Information for teachers:
How the projects work
Things you will need
Lesson plan
Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating)
Health and Safety
How to recycle your clay
Handling clay
Looking after your clay
Certificate of Achievement

These projects help children learn and practice basic skills which can then be used to create their own projects and enhance their own creativity. Although your children are making the same project, they will all look different.