### Lesson Plan: Simple Sculpture for Year 1
**Grade Level**: Year 1
**Subject**: The Arts
**Duration**: 1 hour
**Topic**: Simple Sculpture
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#### Objectives
- **Cognitive**: Students will understand basic concepts of sculpture and identify different types of materials used.
- **Affective**: Students will develop an appreciation for the creative process involved in making sculptures.
- **Psychomotor**: Students will create a simple sculpture using various materials.
#### Materials Needed
- Modeling clay (various colors)
- Pipe cleaners
- Popsicle sticks
- Beads
- Feathers
- Glue
- Safety scissors
- Paper plates (as bases)
- Wet wipes (for cleaning hands)
- Aprons or smocks (to keep clothes clean)
#### Standards Met
- Students will create, interpret, and assess simple artworks.
- Students will engage in art-making practices.
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#### Lesson Procedure
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Welcome and Motivation**:
- Greet the students and engage them in a brief discussion about sculptures they may have seen (in parks, museums, etc.).
- Show images or small examples of simple sculptures made from clay and other materials.
2. **Objective Overview**:
- Explain that they will be learning how to create their own simple sculptures today.
- Introduce the materials they will be using.
**Direct Instruction (15 minutes)**
1. **What is a Sculpture?**
- Define sculpture in simple terms: A 3D piece of art that you can see from all sides.
- Explain that sculptures can be made from many different materials such as clay, wood, metal, and even everyday objects.
2. **Demonstration**:
- Show the students how to use the modeling clay to form basic shapes (balls, cylinders, etc.).
- Demonstrate how to attach materials like pipe cleaners, beads, and feathers to the clay, using glue if necessary.
- Highlight the importance of being gentle and taking time to shape their materials.
**Guided Practice (10 minutes)**
1. **Exploration Time**:
- Distribute materials to each student.
- Encourage them to explore the texture and flexibility of the modeling clay.
- Provide assistance and guidance as they start forming basic shapes and combining them with other materials.
**Independent Practice (15 minutes)**
1. **Creative Time**:
- Let students work independently on creating their own sculptures.
- Circulate around the room to provide help and encouragement.
- Remind students to think about stability—making sure their sculpture can stand on its own.
**Closure (10 minutes)**
1. **Sharing Circle**:
- Have students place their finished sculptures on their desks or tables.
- Give each student a chance to talk briefly about their sculpture—what they made, what materials they used, and their favorite part of the process.
2. **Clean Up**:
- Guide students in cleaning up their work areas, using wet wipes to clean hands and ensuring materials are packed away.
**Assessment**
- **Observation**: Monitor student participation, ability to follow instructions, and creativity during the activity.
- **Questioning**: Ask questions to gauge their understanding and reflections on the activity (e.g., “What was your favorite part about making your sculpture?”).
- **Finished Product**: Review each student’s sculpture for creativity and use of materials.
#### Reflection and Adaptation
- **Reflect on what worked well**: Which parts of the lesson engaged the students the most? Were there any materials that were particularly effective or problematic?
- **Adapt for future lessons**: Make note of any adjustments needed, such as additional support for struggling students or more challenging options for advanced learners.
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**Notes**:
- Ensure all materials are non-toxic and safe for young children.
- Keep the classroom environment positive and encouraging, celebrating all efforts and creations.