Sculpture: Clay Modelling — Year 1 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Art and Design KS1 — To use a range of materials creatively to design and make products; to develop a wide range of art and design techniques; to know about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers.
Overview
Pupils explore clay as a malleable sculptural material, developing hand strength and fine motor control through pinching, rolling, coiling and pressing. They create a small animal or natural form, adding surface texture and detail with simple tools. The lesson introduces the concept of 3D art and introduces pupils to the work of sculptors who work with natural and ceramic forms.
Learning Objectives
- To understand that sculpture is a three-dimensional art form that can be viewed from all sides
- To develop clay skills: rolling, pinching, coiling, smoothing and joining
- To add texture and surface detail using tools and found objects
- To know about at least one sculptor who works with natural or ceramic forms
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Share photographs of Andy Goldsworthy's natural sculptures and simple African terracotta animal figures. Ask: what is different about these compared to a drawing? Introduce the word 3D. Pupils pass around a small clay pinch pot to feel its weight and three-dimensionality.
Demonstrate clay techniques step by step: wedging the clay to remove air bubbles, rolling a ball, pinching to create a hollow form, rolling a coil and attaching it using the score-and-slip method. Show how to impress a leaf or comb to create surface texture.
Pupils choose a simple natural form to make (hedgehog, snail, tortoise, fish or bird). They begin by making the basic body form using pinching and shaping, then add features using small coils and pressed details. Teacher circulates, asking: does it look 3D? Can you see it from the back? What texture might this animal have?
Pupils refine their sculpture, adding surface texture using a selection of tools: pencils, combs, forks and natural objects. They smooth any joins and make sure the form is stable and will stand or sit without falling.
Pupils place their sculptures on the display table and walk around to see them from all sides. One or two pupils share something they found difficult and how they solved it. Class vote on their favourite texture technique and why.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils often try to attach clay pieces without using score-and-slip, leading to pieces falling off when dry — emphasise that joins must be scratched and moistened before pressing together
- Some pupils make very thin, fragile walls that crack — demonstrate a pinch pot with walls at least 1cm thick
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Exploratory experience of malleable materials — playdough, wet sand and clay — from EYFS
- Early fine motor skills developed through cutting, threading and small-world play
Want a personalised version of this lesson?
Use Staffroom to generate a complete lesson plan tailored to your class — add context about ability, recent learning, or specific pupils and get a plan ready to teach. Free trial, no card required.