How to Teach Sculpture to Children

Sculpture is a form of art used in expression and representation of personal views, environmental changes and societal concerns such as morality, religion and politics. Sculptors use their hands in creating sculpture art using various forms of media; soft stone, clay, papier-mâché, wire, wood, and metal depending on preference and level of experience. However, children 3 to 10 years old prefer working with clay or Play Doh because it is softer and easier to use. As they grow older they might decide to use other media such as wire.

Things You'll Need

  • Pictures of sculptures
  • Clay
  • Play Doh
  • Work tables
  • Pencils
  • Paper
  • Camera
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the art to the children by telling them about the materials they can use and the various things they can make. Avoid using difficult terms or narrating the historical background when teaching the younger children. It also helps to use pictures of sculptures in different media as examples.

    • 2

      Engage the children in a question and answer session about "I and my" topics: favorite things, family, feelings and hobbies to ease tension and help them relax. This gives them ideas of the things to mold and create, such as pets, favorite toys and emotions.

    • 3

      Instruct the children to form a comfortably sized lump of clay in their hands and turn the piece around before placing it on the work table. Depending on the ages, inform the children how to create the objects either by adding parts or molding from one piece. Children 3 to 7 years old naturally create things by sticking pieces together.

    • 4

      Walk through the classroom as you observe the sculptures and ask the children questions about what they are creating: the size relationship, form, texture and point of view. Listen to their answers to get their observations and interpretations.

    • 5

      Ask your students to write a short story of their creation by stating the source of inspiration, reasons for choice of media or what they feel about the piece.

    • 6

      Add an interesting aspect to your lesson making it fun and educative for the children. For example, at the end of the lesson, take pictures of the art pieces and attach them to a scrapbook. This helps monitor progress of the children after every sculpture.

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