Firing Up Creativity: Ceramics for Third Grade | Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation

Moderation state

funded

Grant Applicant

Dana Seaborg

Grant Co-applicants

School Site

Grant Category

Grant Date

2025-03-31T12:00:00

Description

This grant seeks funding to equip our 75+ third-grade students with a comprehensive set of ceramic glazes and tools, enabling students to engage in hands-on, creative ceramic projects. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of hand-building, including pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction. They will explore a variety of colorful glazes, learning how to apply them to create unique and vibrant finishes. The project will provide a safe and stimulating environment for students to experiment with clay and explore their artistic potential.

Benefits of Program

Ceramics offer many benefits to third-grade students. It develops fine motor skills through the manipulation of clay and tools, enhancing hand-eye coordination and dexterity. It promotes creativity and imaginative thinking, encouraging students to express themselves through three-dimensional art. Students will learn to problem-solve as they navigate the challenges of working with clay, such as shaping, joining, and glazing. This program can also integrate with current curriculum themes, such as science, social studies, writing, and math.

Success of Program

The success of this program will be evaluated through multiple methods:

Digital Portfolios: Students will maintain slideshow-portfolios showcasing their ceramic projects, documenting their progress and final products.
Teacher Observations: Teachers will observe student engagement, participation, and skill development during ceramic sessions.
Self-Assessments: Students will reflect on their learning and artistic growth verbally and through writing.
Culminating Event: A third-grade art show (held in the library) will display student ceramic creations, allowing students to share their work with peers, teachers, and families.

Implementation

The project will be implemented over the year, with monthly ceramic art sessions. The classroom teachers will provide instruction and guidance, demonstrating techniques and supporting student exploration. Teachers will collaborate to connect ceramic projects with relevant classroom learning themes. With the grant money, we will purchase basic ceramic tools, texture rollers, and a variety of non-toxic glazes that are safe for elementary students.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes, the third grade classes would share all items purchased with this grant money. Open House would provide an opportunity for all third-grade students and their families to view and appreciate the ceramic creations.

Sustainability

This project will be designed to ensure its sustainability for future third-grade classes. We will:
- Develop a curriculum guide, including lesson plans, project ideas, and informal assessment tools.
- Train classroom teachers to support ceramic art activities.
- Establish a system for maintaining and replenishing ceramic supplies, ensuring the program can continue for future years.

Amount Funded

$1354.11

Individual Budget Items(s)

$1259 - Clay carving tools, sponges, Mayco ceramic glazes and texture rollers.

Shipping

$0.00

Taxes

$95.11

Supporting Links

Amazon Wishlist- Ceramics Grant