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Clay Projects for Schools

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Hello! Welcome to Clay Projects for Schools. Simple, fun, creative, tried and tested projects for children using clay. No experience necessary from adults or children. All projects are made with up to four simple shapes, a ball, a bean, a sausage and a carrot. Each resource has a demonstration, step by step photographic instructions and preparation notes. I have over 25 years experience creating clay projects for children in schools and museums and am also a TA in Primary Schools.

Hello! Welcome to Clay Projects for Schools. Simple, fun, creative, tried and tested projects for children using clay. No experience necessary from adults or children. All projects are made with up to four simple shapes, a ball, a bean, a sausage and a carrot. Each resource has a demonstration, step by step photographic instructions and preparation notes. I have over 25 years experience creating clay projects for children in schools and museums and am also a TA in Primary Schools.
How to make a clay fish
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How to make a clay fish

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Here’s how to make a clay fish step by step. Suitable for children aged 4 and upwards including SEN children. Great for nature, underwater or seaside themed topics. This also works well for after school clubs, as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). What you need: clay lolly sticks pencils old paintbrushes pots of slip or water. What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a fish’ and ‘I can make different types of fish’ Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a fish’. Video animation showing how to make a fish and how to make a fish with stick on scales. Video showing how to make four basic shapes 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 Certificate of Achievement
How to make a clay Diya (lamp) for Diwali
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How to make a clay Diya (lamp) for Diwali

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Here’s how to make Diya (lamps) for Diwali using the pinch pot/thumb pot method. This resource includes video demonstrations and easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. 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. This project also works as a one to one activity or in small groups. There are two videos included in this resource, how to make a Diya and put patterns on it and how to decorate it when it is dry. There are two powerpoints to accompany the making video and one powerpoint to accompany the decorating video which include step by step instructions. What you need: clay pencils lolly sticks LED tea lights paintbrushes acrylic paints What you get: Video showing how to make a Diya with suggestions for patterns Video showing suggestions on how to decorate your lamp Powerpoint step by step instructions - I can make a Diya Powerpoint step by step instructions - I can put patterns on my lamp Powerpoint step by step instructions - How to decorate your lamp 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.
How to make a clay Eye of Horus
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How to make a clay Eye of Horus

(1)
Here’s how to make a clay Eye of Horus with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards including SEN children. Great for topics about Ancient Egypt. This also works well for after school clubs, as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. What you need: clay pencils pots of water. What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an Eye of Horus’ (for children who are right handed) Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an Eye of Horus’ (for children who are left handed) Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make an Eye of Horus’ (both left and right handed versions). Video animation showing how to make an Eye of Horus Video showing how to make four basic shapes (you only need to watch a ball and a sausage) 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 Looking after your clay How to recycle your clay Looking after your clay Handling clay Certificate of Achievement There is also information regarding painting the Eye of Horus when it is dry. 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.
How to make a clay crown
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How to make a clay crown

(1)
Here’s how to make a clay crown step by step. Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards including SEN children. Great for topics involving fairytales, castles or royalty. This also works well for after school clubs, as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). What you need: clay lolly sticks pencils old paintbrushes pots of slip or water. What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a crown’ Powerpoint step by step instructions showing how to make a star close up Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a crown’. Video animation showing how to make a crown Video showing how to make four basic shapes 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 Certificate of Achievement
Types of Clay
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Types of Clay

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There are many different types of clay available. If you and your children are happy with the clay you are using then stick with it! If, however, you are not sure what sort to use, here’s a quick overview of some different types of clay that are suitable for children.
How to make slip - a guide for teachers
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How to make slip - a guide for teachers

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Slip is a creamy thick liquid made from clay and water. Potters use slip to join and stick pieces of clay together. Here are simple, school friendly, step by step instructions on how to make it so that your children can use it to stick things together when making things out of clay. All you need is some clay, some water, a paintbrush and a recycled tub with a resealable lid. I have also included a short video showing how to make it.
Different ways to join clay
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Different ways to join clay

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Here is some information on different methods of joining stoneware or earthenware clay. What you get: Powerpoint showing different methods of joining. Video showing how to join things using the ‘slipping and scoring’ method (also known as cross-hatching). Video showing how to make slip.
How to make a clay snowman
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How to make a clay snowman

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Here’s how to make a snowman out of clay with video demonstrations and easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. This project can be used alongside Christmas or winter topics or just as something fun to make! If you are a forest school you could have a separate activity for the children looking for small twigs for the arms. Ideal as part of an art day/art week. There are three versions to chooses from: Snowman Snowman with a scarf Snowman with a scarf and hat The snowman is suitable for children aged 5 and upwards, the other two versions are 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 pots of slip or water paintbrushes acrylic paints small twigs for the arms What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a snowman’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a snowman with a scarf’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a snowman with a scarf and a hat’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your snowman’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your snowman with a scarf’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your snowman with a scarf and a hat’ Video showing how to make a snowman Video showing how to make a snowman with a scarf Video showing how to make a snowman with a scarf and a hat Video showing how to make four basic shapes (ignore the carrot shape) 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.
How to make a clay nature tile
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How to make a clay nature tile

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Here’s how to make a nature tile out of clay with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. This project could be used alongside nature topics or just as something fun to make! Ideal as part of an art day/art week. Suitable for children aged 8 and upwards including SEN children and any child needing additional support. This also works well for forest schools. There are three videos included in this resource, how to make a nature tile, a slightly different version of how to make a nature tile and a speeded up version of how to paint the finished model. The powerpoint is split into two parts (due to file size). The first part is how to make the base and the leaves for the background, the second part is how to make the flower. This project is made using four basic shapes, a ball, a bean, a sausage and a carrot shape. There is also a video included demonstrating how to make these shapes. Suggestions for variations are shown plus step by step instructions for decorating the finished model after it has dried. This project can also work as a one to one activity or in small groups. What you need: clay pencils lolly sticks strips of cardboard pots of slip or water paintbrushes acrylic paints What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a nature tile part 1.’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a nature tile part 2.’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a nature tile variations.’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your nature tile’ Video showing how to make a nature tile Video showing how to make a slightly different nature tile Video showing how to paint a nature tile Video showing how to make four basic shapes 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.
How to make an underwater tile out of clay
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How to make an underwater tile out of clay

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Here’s how to make an underwater tile out of clay with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. This is a step up from my clay fish project and can be used alongside nature/seaside/underwater topics or just as something fun to make! Ideal as part of an art day/art week. 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. There are three videos included in this resource, how to make an underwater tile, how to make a starfish and how to paint your underwater tile. 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 pots of slip or water paintbrushes acrylic paints What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an underwater tile.’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a starfish.’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your underwater tile’ Video showing how to make an underwater tile Video showing how to make a starfish Video showing how to paint an underwater tile 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.
Mini make - How to make an Easter egg decoration
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Mini make - How to make an Easter egg decoration

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Mini-makes are fun projects for your children that use very small amounts of air-drying clay. Here’s how to make an Easter egg decoration. Although the shape is simple to make, the children can create a variety of different ways to decorate their eggs which are demonstrated in this resource. There is also information on how to turn this project into a display to brighten up your classroom for Easter. Suitable for children aged 7 (Year 2) and upwards including children with special educational needs and those who need help with their mental wellbeing. This also works well for after school clubs or as a golden time activity. Also suitable for Forest schools if you wish to make an Easter egg tree. This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. Please note, due to the fact that the clay needs to dry, this project needs to be completed over a few sessions. What you need: DAS clay Pot of water Paintbrush Strip of thin recycled cardboard Paperclips Paper plate Palette Acrylic paints Metallic acrylic paint Palette Ribbon or gold thread Mat to work on Tea towel What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make an Easter egg decoration’. Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to decorate your egg’. Video showing how to make an Easter egg decoration. Video showing things to watch out for when making. Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating) Health and Safety 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.
Mini make - How to make a love heart decoration
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Mini make - How to make a love heart decoration

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Mini-makes are fun projects to make that use very small amounts of air-drying clay. Here’s how to make a Mother’s day card which doubles up as a keepsake decoration. This could also be made for a birthday gift or just to say ‘thank you’ to someone special. Suitable for children aged 7 (Year 2) and upwards including children with special educational needs and those who need help with their mental wellbeing. This also works well for after school clubs or as a golden time activity. This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. Please note, due to the fact that the clay needs to dry, this project needs to be completed over a few sessions. (Between two and three depending on how much time you have for each session). Guidelines for this are in the resource. What you need: DAS clay pencil lollipop stick pots of water paintbrush strip of thin cardboard strong cardboard paper scissors single hole punch paper plate PVA glue ribbon or jute string mat to work on metallic gold acrylic paint (optional) What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a love heart decoration part 1.’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a love heart decoration part 2.’ Video showing how to make a love heart decoration part 1. Video showing how to make a love heart decoration part 2. Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating) Health and Safety 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.
How to make a head of a lion out of clay
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How to make a head of a lion out of clay

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Here’s how to make a head of a lion 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! Ideal as part of an art day/art week. It also works well as a one to one activity or in small groups. 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. This project is made using four basic shapes, a ball, a bean, a sausage and a carrot shape. There are video demonstrations as well as powerpoint step by step instructions included in this resource. What you need: clay pencils lolly sticks wooden forks (optional) pots of slip or water paintbrushes acrylic paints What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a head of a lion’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your lion’ Video showing how to make a head of a lion Video showing how to paint your lion Video showing how to make four basic shapes 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.
How to make a monkey face out of clay
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How to make a monkey face out of clay

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Here’s how to make a monkey face out of clay with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. This project could be used alongside rainforest or habitat topics. Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards including SEN children and any child needing additional support. This also works well for after school clubs or as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). Suggestions for variations are shown plus step by step instructions for decorating the finished model after it has dried. This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. What you need: clay pencils lolly sticks strips of cardboard pots of slip or water paintbrushes acrylic paints What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make monkey face’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to paint your monkey face’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘Monkey face variations’ Video showing how to make a monkey face Video showing how to make four basic shapes (you only need to make three of them) 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.
How to make a plasticine Chinese New Year dragon
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How to make a plasticine Chinese New Year dragon

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Here’s how to make a dragon for Chinese New Year with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. This project works well for after school clubs, golden time, or for children with special needs. The powerpoint instructions are split into twelve steps which can be completed over a series of sessions. If working on a one to one basis, this project can be worked on as and when required. Please note that this project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups and will probably take more than one session to complete. Suitable for children aged 8 and upwards. What you need: orange plasticine red plasticine lolly sticks rolling pin mat to work on pencil tea towel scissors ruler cardboard felt tip pen lid Recycled things to collect: jam jar lids (for variation) strong cardboard What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a Chinese dragon Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a Chinese dragon’ Powerpoint step by step instructions for variation - ‘How to make a jam jar lid base. Video animation showing how to make a Chinese dragon Video showing how to make a ball Video showing how to make the shape for the body Video showing how to make the scales around the neck Video showing how to roll thin sausage shapes for the border Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop Health and Safety 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.
How to make a plasticine spider on a web
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How to make a plasticine spider on a web

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Here’s a fun activity for Halloween! Four different ways to make a spider on a web using plasticine and play-doh with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. These projects are suitable for after school clubs, golden time, or as a one to one activity with a child with special needs. Main project - ’I can make a spider on a web’ Differentiation options - Extra mild - ‘I can make a play-doh spider on a web’ Spicy/Hot - ‘I can make a spider on a jam jar lid’ Extra Hot - ‘I can make a spider on a white web’ Each project does not have to be finished in one session but the main project, ‘I can make a spider on a web’ and the play-doh version can be if needs be. These projects work best as a one to one activity or in small groups. Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards. Play-doh version suitable for children aged 6 and upwards. What you need: orange plasticine black plasticine white plasticine (for differentiation project) orange and black play-doh (for differentiation project) lolly sticks rolling pin mat to work on pencils tea towel scissors (for differentiation project) Recycled things to collect: jam jar lids (for differentiation project) strong cardboard (for differentiation project) large yoghurt pots (for differentiation project) What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a spider on a web’ Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a spider on a web’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a spider on a jam jar lid’ (left and right handed versions) Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a spider on a white web’ (left and right handed versions) Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a play doh spider’ Video animation showing how to make a spider on a web Video animation showing how to make a spider on a jam jar lid Video animation showing how to make a spider on a white web Video showing how to make a ball and a bean shape Video showing how to flatten your plasticine with a rolling pin Video showing how to roll thin sausage shapes Powerpoint showing how to make basic shapes Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop Health and Safety 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.
How to make a clay snowman
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How to make a clay snowman

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Here’s how to make and decorate a flat clay snowman with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. A fun project to make for Christmas! Suitable for children aged 6 and upwards including SEN children. This also works well for after school clubs or as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). Differentiation suggestions are shown plus step by step instructions for decorating the finished model after it has dried. This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. What you need: clay pencils lolly sticks pots of slip or water paintbrushes acrylic paints PVA glue silver glitter What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a snowman’ (includes instructions for decorating the finished model) Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a snowman with a hat on’ (differentiation version, includes instructions for decorating the finished model) Video animation showing how to make a snowman Video animation showing how to make a snowman with a hat on Video showing how to make four basic shapes (you need to watch a ball, a bean and a sausage) 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.
Mini make -   How to make a fish decoration
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Mini make - How to make a fish decoration

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Mini makes are fun projects to make that use very small amounts of air-drying clay. Here’s how to make two types of fish decoration with easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. Suitable for children aged 7 (Year 2) and upwards including children with special educational needs and those who need help with their mental wellbeing. This also works well for after school clubs or as a golden time activity. There are two different fish to choose from. Each fish has a video demonstration and a powerpoint with step by step instructions to follow which includes painting the finished model. This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. These would be a fun additional activity to an underwater or seaside project. They can be made as gifts for someone or they can be made just to brighten up a workspace! What you need: DAS clay Pencils Lolly sticks Pots of water Paintbrush Strip of thin cardboard Paperclip Metallic gold acrylic paint Ribbon or string Mat to work on What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a fish with a cut out mouth’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a fish with a stick on mouth’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘Decorating your fish’ Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘How to sort out sticking problems’ Video showing how to make a fish with a cut out mouth Video showing how to make a fish with a stick on mouth Video showing how to paint your finished fish Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating) Health and Safety Certificate of Achievement
How to make a clay crown
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How to make a clay crown

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Here’s how to make a clay crown step by step. Suitable for children aged 8 and upwards including SEN children. Great for topics involving fairytales, castles or royalty. This also works well for after school clubs, as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. What you need: clay lolly sticks pencils old paintbrushes pots of slip or water. What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a crown’ Powerpoint step by step instructions showing how to make a star close up Powerpoint step by step instructions showing how to make a cross close up Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a crown’. Video animation showing how to make a crown Video showing how to make four basic shapes (you only need to watch the first three shapes) 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 Certificate of Achievement