Clay Art Event

Instructions for Teachers

Hello Teachers!

Please download the slides for your grade level using the links below:

Kindergarden, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade

Showing and reviewing the slides with your students before the art session will help save the art instructor’s time and give students more hands-on time with the clay during class.

Also, please confirm that you have at least 2 volunteers to help in class. More volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Please also let your volunteers know how many students are in your classroom.

Once you have your parent volunteers, please forward them this webpage. It explains what volunteers will be doing in the classroom. In addition, please encourage them to sign up if they are also available to help prepare the clay.

Thank you so much for helping coordinate this!

Instructions for Parent Volunteers

1. Clay Preparation Volunteer

• Label each Ziplock bag with the grade, teacher’s name and the number of students (your teacher will tell you the number of students in your classroom).
• Add a damp paper towel/towel into each Ziplock bag.  
• Cut clay into student portions, about 1/2 lb per portion.
• Roll the clay portions into balls.
• Place the clay balls into the labeled Ziplock bags and seal them tightly so they do not dry out.
• Prepare extra clay balls if possible. 
• Prepare paper plates for all students in each class.  
• Organize clay bags and paper plates by class/session.
• Confirm supplies are ready:
  • clay in ziplock bag
  • paper plates for each student
  • brushes for each student
  • cups for wash brushes
  • wipes and paper towels.
• Place the prepared materials on the table in the courtyard by the mural. Please make sure all labels are visible.

2. Classroom Volunteer

• Pick up the classroom supply, includes: clay, paper plates, brushes, cups and one bottle of sanitizing wipes from the table near the main door.
• Take 4 boxes with you. These will be used to place finished clay projects.
• Help distribute clay, paper plates, and coloring materials.
• For portable classrooms: please take two buckets, fill them with water halfway, and bring them to the portable classroom. Water will be used for clean brushes, handwashing, or as needed.

• Support the instructor, teacher, and students.
• Help students with materials, but let them do their own artwork.
• Help students clearly write their information on the bottom of the clay project before they start glazing. Use wooden dowel sticks provided. 
  • name
  • grade
  • teacher’s name
• Make sure there is no glaze on the bottom of each clay piece when student is done and before piece is placed in a box.
• Keep clay and materials on the table.
• Help manage handwashing as needed.

• Check again to make sure each piece is clearly labeled with the student’s name, grade, and teacher/class.
• Collect Ziplock bags for reuse.
• Help clean tables, floors, and classroom supplies. 
• bring cleaned brushes back to the supply table
• Carefully put the clay pieces in boxes and move the boxes to the table in the courtyard by the mural, near the main door.
• Portables:
  • Use the water buckets to help students wash their hands. 
  • Lead students to washroom if needed
  • Return the buckets to their original place after class.

3. Key Reminders

• All classroom volunteers must be LWSD-approved volunteers.
• Please check in at the front desk before volunteering.
• Do not share student photos publicly unless approved.
• Follow the teacher’s and vendor’s instructions.
• Contact the PTSA lead (panpan.vicepresident@alcottptsa.org) if supplies are missing, clay breaks, or cleanup support is needed.