AVHSC has hired a clay program coordinator to run and manage the program. The coordinator handles:

• general training at the beginning of the year
• training volunteers as needed throughout the year
• ordering and restocking clay supplies
• creating and managing the clay calendar
• organizing the clay room
• operating the kiln (important - only the lead is trained to operate the kiln!)
• scheduling clay sessions for each class
• determining and leading the projects for each class
  

What do the clay helpers/volunteers do? 

We need clay helpers to help at each of the clay sessions in each classroom. Each project consists of a clay shaping session and a clay glazing session. Volunteers will help with setting up, rolling/prepping clay, putting tools and supplies on the tables, helping students with their projects, and cleaning up. 

How can I find out more about the clay program?

There is training at the beginning of each school year. Go to the volunteer webpage to see the training schedule. If you missed the training please contact the school clay lead. Also, check out the bottom of the page for additional training resources. It is EXTREMELY important that the clay shaping and glazing procedures and checklists be reviewed prior to your clay session!

When are the clay projects?

Each project will be scheduled directly with the class teacher and volunteers will be notified a head of time. Times and days are determined based on the classroom schedules as well as other activites (PE, Libary, Band/Music etc). In general clay sessions typically take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and are during one of the following time slots:

*Morning slots are preferred but will depend on teacher's class schedule. 

What are the clay projects?

For each grade (Transitional Kindergarten through 5th) there are specific learning objectives. AVHSC has between two and six projects for each grade that meet those learning objectives. The projects for the year will be chosen by the coordinator. It is important to note that these projects have been reviewed and approved and are the projects that each class must choose from. Please click on the grade level links below in the next section to access grade level specific learning objective and projects. 

ALTA VISTA CLAY LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND GRADE LEVEL INFORMATION

General Learning Objective for Alta Vista Students:

Clay Shaping: Students will learn to manipulate clay, explore different techniques, and create various forms. Clay forming involves the three basic hand shaping techniques: Pinching, coiling, and slab building. Students will also explore additive sculpting (combining two or more pieces of clay together) using the score and slip attachment methods as well as subtractive sculpting (removing clay to form objects).

Glazing: Students will learn to apply glaze correctly, understand the differences between glazes and paints, identify different glaze colors, appreciate how glaze enhances the final product and understand that glaze is permanent once fired. Specific objectives include applying glaze evenly and thoroughly by starting out with one color and building up to applying 4 colors by 5th grade. Other creative glazing techniques will be explored such as applying glaze using sponges, brush splattering, overlapping and blending colors, and inlays.

Grade Level Learning Objectives and Projects:

Click on your student's grade below to access grade specific learning objectives, approved projects and links to training and instructions for each project.

Grade Level Approved Projects:

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND TRAINING

• Clay Training Presentation
  
• Clay Shaping Procedures and Checklist
• Glazing Procedures and Checklist
• 2026-2027 Clay Program Curriculum - All grades
• Glossary of PotteryTerms
• Clay Volunteering Etiquette