This lesson is suitable for an elementary school arts class, or for children who have just taken up ceramics. Children can use air-dry clay and create a mask, resembling those of the ancient Greek theater. Draw a simple mask, such as those who contain two eye holes with a smiling or sad mouth expression, and ask kids to imitate the design. Cutting the eyes and mouth can be a dangerous task, so assist any kid who seems to struggle. When the clay is dry, encourage children to paint the mask any way they like.
Mature learners can use a spinning potter's wheel to form wet clay with their hands and then bake it, in order to create solid bowls. Show the students how the raw piece of clay can become round, forming the bowl's exterior, but also how to start creating the interior by pressing the clay with their thumb. Later lessons can focus on creating elaborate urns, as well as carving them, when the shaping is done.
Instead of creating bowls or other round objects, students can make ceramic ships, which -- like their real-life counterparts -- will float in water. This time, a spinning wheel will be useless, as the boat's length must be at least twice as much as its width. Students will have to shape the boat using wet clay and later bake it, to solidify the craft. Air-dry clay will be more convenient, in case this lesson takes part during art class at school. Encourage students to carve the ship's name on the side, as well as paint it, when the clay is solid.
This lesson is targeted to preschool children, who have no previous experience with ceramic art. Show students how to leave their handprint in clay, by pressing their palm onto it. Afterwards, carve the child's name below his handprint and give it to him, as a reminder of his first ever ceramics art creation. Even though the result is not quite as impressive as other pottery crafts, it will boost children's interest and show them the immense possibilities of making art out clay.