Make a modelling clay monster
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a modelling clay monster and scenery for a stop-animation.
Key learning points
- Different sculpting techniques such as rolling and pinching can be used to create various shapes and textures.
- Joining pieces securely is essential for a sturdy sculpture.
- A variety of tools can be used to create details and textures to enhance the appearance of a clay model.
- Creating scenery helps to tell a story.
Keywords
Scenery - the background or surrounding elements that add context to a sculpture
Texture - how something feels when it is touched
Sculpting techniques - are ways to shape materials like clay, wood, or metal
Common misconception
Pupils might believe that the characters are the only important part of the animation and that scenery doesn't matter. They also may believe that scenery is only for decorative purposes.
Addressing these misconceptions through discussion and reference to examples can help students understand the importance of scenery in clay animation and how it enhances storytelling.
Teacher tip
Oil based clay works best as it will not air dry as quickly. Use air tight containers to prevent air from drying out the clay if you are retaining models between lessons. You could use real or found objects in your background. A stand can be created for your digital device using polymer clay.
Equipment
Modelling clay
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with the correct descriptions.
a quick, simple drawing with just a few lines
a sequence of drawings that represent the shots planned for media
a series of drawings or images that are shown quickly
Q2.We use a to plan out the steps of our story before we create the animation.
Q3.A sketch is the final version of your monster design.
Q4.What do you need to make an animation of your clay monster?
Q5.When making a storyboard we use pictures and ...
Q6.Before we make our monster with clay, we draw a to help us plan what it will look like.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is the best way to attach two body parts of your plasticine monster?
Q2.Why do we create scenery for our plasticine monster?
Q3.Match the keywords to the definitions.
how something feels when it is touched
the background or surrounding elements that add context to a sculpture
are ways to shape materials like clay, wood, or metal
Q4.When making scenery for our monster, we can use natural objects like...
Q5.A variety of tools can be used to create details and on our clay model.
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Make a modelling clay monster, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Make a modelling clay monster, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Monsters: sculpture and digital design unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.