Clay Tile: Slab Method

 Clay Tile: Slab Method 

Description: 

For this art lesson we learned how to make clay tiles using the slab method with air dry clay. We began this project by learning the different vocabulary and design techniques such as the additive and subtractive techniques. After having discussed the different ways to make a design in our clay, we were asked to come up with five different symbols that we felt described us. Next, we were all given a square chunk of clay, then began forming our square tile by rolling it into a ball, throwing it onto the table several times (to release the built up air within the clay), and then rolling it out as far as the roller would roll it between the two sticks lining our clay piece. Once the square tile was formed, we then we used a stencil to trace our square onto or clay and then cut it our using the wooden dowel. We then used the extra clay to roll out another clay chunk, this would then be used to stencil our symbol onto. After scoring and slipping both pieces, we pressed the symbol and the clay tile together and smoothed the edges of our creation with small amounts of water, as well as using our tool to remove any excess clay. 

Extension Activity: 

For an extension activity I would have students use the air dry clay to make letters or words. Having students create something that they are learning about and having it concrete can help them learn and understand better. For example, if we are learning about the digraph <ea>, I would have the students make an <e> and an <a> out of their clay and decorate it in any way of their choice. They would then have this concrete model of the digraph <ea> while we are studying it throughout the week (or however long it may take to teach them).