SayPro Day 1: Pottery Basics: Learn the fundamental techniques for shaping clay, including hand-building and basic tools.

SayPro Pottery Workshop – Day 1: Pottery Basics

Day Theme:

“Foundations in Clay: Exploring the Basics of Pottery”

Learning Objectives:

By the end of Day 1, participants will:

Understand the purpose and types of pottery.
Identify and use basic pottery tools and materials.
Learn and apply fundamental hand-building techniques: pinch, coil, and slab.
Begin shaping their first clay pieces with guided practice.

1. Welcome and Introduction to Pottery (30 minutes)

Session Overview:

Introduction to the SayPro creative skills program.
Brief history and cultural importance of pottery.
Discussion: What do you already know about pottery? What do you hope to create?

Key Concepts Covered:

Types of pottery:

Functional (e.g., bowls, cups, pots)
Decorative (e.g., vases, sculptures)
Clay as a medium:
Characteristics of clay (plasticity, drying, shrinkage, texture)

2. Introduction to Pottery Tools and Workspace Setup (30 minutes)

Essential Tools:

Wire cutter – for slicing clay blocks
Needle tool – for fine lines and scoring
Wooden ribs and modeling tools – for shaping and smoothing
Loop tools – for carving and hollowing
Sponges – for moistening and smoothing
Rolling pins or slab rollers – for flattening clay

Safety and Clean Workspace Tips:

Keep tools organized and handle sharp tools with care.
Avoid inhaling dry clay dust; always clean surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge.
Keep clay moist by covering unused portions.

3. Introduction to Hand-Building Techniques (1.5 hours)

Hand-building is a traditional and accessible method of forming clay without a potter’s wheel. Participants will explore three foundational techniques:

a. Pinch Pots

Start with a ball of clay.
Press thumb into the center and pinch outward evenly to form a bowl.
Focus on uniform wall thickness and smooth rims.

b. Coil Building

Roll clay into even coils (like ropes).
Stack coils on top of one another to build up walls.
Smooth the inside or outside with a finger or rib for a clean finish.
Use slip (clay + water mix) and scoring to securely attach coils.

c. Intro to Slab Work (Optional Introduction)

Roll clay into a flat, even slab.
Cut shapes with tools and join sides to form geometric shapes (boxes, plates).
Score and slip at joints; smooth and reinforce edges.

Practice Session:

Participants choose one or two techniques to create a small item such as:

A pinch bowl
A coil vase
A small slab-based tray or tile

4. Drying and Storage Techniques (15 minutes)

Topics Covered:

Importance of even drying to prevent cracking.
How to store clay pieces (cover loosely with plastic to slow drying).
Labeling individual projects with names and dates.

5. Group Reflection and Q\&A (15 minutes)

Discussion Questions:

What did you enjoy most about working with clay today?
What challenges did you face with shaping techniques?
What kind of object would you like to make by the end of the workshop?

Homework / Optional Take-Home Practice:

Sketch a simple design or pottery piece you’d like to make by the end of the week.
Reflect on what kinds of decorations or textures you’d like to explore.

Materials Needed:

Clay (earthenware or stoneware recommended)
Pottery tools kit
Water containers and sponges
Work mats or boards
Plastic wrap for covering unfinished projects
Aprons or old clothes (working with clay can get messy!)

Preview of Day 2:

Pottery Creation and Firing Process

Participants will build on today’s skills to create full pottery pieces.
Introduction to the kiln, drying stages, and the first bisque firing process.

Let me know if you’d like to turn this into a lesson plan PDF or presentation slides for teaching!