Clay Pocket-Hearts


Minnesota K-3 Visual Art Standards Used in This Lesson:

  • 1. Identify the elements of visual art including Color, line, shape, Form, Value, texture and space.

  • 2. Identify the tools, materials and techniques from a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Identify the characteristics of visual artworks from a variety of cultures including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 4. Create original two- and three- dimensional artworks to express ideas, experiences or stories.


    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Valentine traditions
  • Paper cutting practice
  • Clay skills including slab rolling cutting and smoothing

    • Students are given a small piece of paper and shown how to fold the paper in half and cut half the heart shape out. When folded open, the entire heart shape is formed. (printed guide here)

    Students then trace that shape onto slabs of clay and cut it out with a toothpick or needle tool. The edges are smoothed out and students initial the back.

    Because these are small and it'll be difficult for all the students to see me demonstrate, a 2 minute video showing the process will be shown on the projector before handing out clay. I'll narrate the important points as the video plays in class.

    After firing students paint their clay hearts.

    These can be given as a token of love for their parents, grandparents, or siblings.


    Mp4 video here.