Art for kids with intellectual disabilities

Activity 6 - Creating Pinch Pots

Rationale: This activity develops a simple 'pinching' technique needed to create a clay bowl.

Materials: Clay, board, cloth.

Setting: Students have materials in front of them. Clay may be prepared by the instructor and then rolled into a rough ball shape. The size may vary from as small as a golf ball to the size of a tennis ball.

Note: Students with very low muscle tone might like to try this using very soft play dough first.

Sequence:

Have the student hold the clay in their non-preferred hand.
Push the thumb of the other hand into the ball to make a hole.
Maintain the clay in the hand, pinch the clay between the index finger and thumb. Apply pressure to thin the clay wall.
Turn the clay ball in the hand and pinch again to thin the clay wall. Continue doing this until the desired pot shape is formed.
Holding the pot from above, gently tap it onto the cloth covered board to flatten the base.
Rub with water to smooth sides and insides of the pot.
Leave to dry for 10 days, before firing it in the kiln.
Paint on the glaze. Let the glaze dry thoroughly, then glaze fire.

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