Ask AI: Write a curriculum for one time ceramics class for kindergarten to 6th grade

Title: Introduction to Ceramics Objective: Introduce students to the creative world of ceramics and impart hands-on knowledge of shaping, coloring, and designing various ceramic projects. Class Duration: 2 hours Materials: - Air-dry clay - Various pottery tools (wood model, scraper, and ribbon) - Rolling pin or clay roller - Non-toxic ceramic paints and brushes - Aprons and table covers - Water and clean cloths Curriculum: 1. **Introduction** (10 minutes) - Welcoming the students. - Brief discussion about ceramics - discussing what ceramics are, where and how they are used (pottery, tiles, sculptures, etc.). - Safety overview and rule setting: being careful with tools, not eating the clay, etc. 2. **Understanding Materials** (15 minutes) - Introducing the air-dry clay: what it is and how it works. - Presenting the tools and explaining their uses. 3. **Hands-on Experience: Warming Up with Clay** (20 minutes) - Demonstrating a simple way to manipulate clay (rolling, flattening, and shape-forming). - Guiding students to make a simple object (e.g. a ball or a disc) to understand the basic handling of clay. 4. **Creating a Basic Ceramic Piece: A Coaster or Tile** (45 minutes) - Demonstrating step by step how to create a coaster/tile. - Helping the students roll out their clay into a flat circle or square, then using pottery tools for refining edges and ornamenting. - Encouraging creativity: students add personal touches like indents, patterns, initials, etc. Break (10 minutes): For quick snacks and restroom breaks. 5. **Painting and Sealing** (30 min) - Demonstrating how to paint their creations with ceramic paints. - Discussing color choices and theme selection. - Encouraging independent work: students paint their work, and the artwork is left to dry. 6. **Wrap-up and Discussion**(20 mins) - Discussing the experience: what they learned, what they found challenging, and their favorite parts. - Giving instructions for the take-home artworks: how long it takes the paint to dry and how to care for their new ceramic piece. - Cleaning up: pitching in together to teach the importance of maintaining a clean art environment. The curriculum is aimed at giving young students a fun, introductory experience to ceramics, and hopefully sparking a love for the art that will continue on for years to come. Note: Always remember to take photos of the session for parents, and for documenting the progress and growth of the students' artistic experiences.