Clay Pinch Pots

This was a peer-taught lesson in which we formed small bowls from clay. I started with a ball of clay. I kneaded it for a few minutes to get all of the air bubbles out, and then I formed it back into a ball. By pinching the sides out, I made it into a bowl shape. When it was in the shape I wanted, I rubbed water on it with my fingers to smooth out the surface and eliminate fingerprints. Then I painted my bowl with acrylic paint. I used black paint on the outside of my bowl and a shade of blue green on the inside. Then I painted symbols on it. I painted blue waves to symbolize water because I love the ocean and swimming. I painted green leaves around the bottom because I love trees, flowers, and other plants in nature. I put white polka dots around the inside of the bowl because I love summer nights when there is a clear sky so I can see the stars.

To extend the learning, students could learn some historical Native American symbols, such as the symbols on a winter count or the Lakota alphabet, and they could write a short message using the symbols.