Textured Sea Turtles Grade 2

 Sea Turtle Tutorial

 Begin with two chunks of clay. One approximately the size of a tennis ball and the other approximately the size of a golf ball.

                                                   Roll the larger chunk of clay into a ball.

Separate the smaller chunk into 5 pieces to be used for the head and flippers.

Check out the texture on the bottom of your shoe.

Set the ball of clay on a board and place it on the floor. Use medium to heavy pressure to step on your clay impressing the texture into the clay.

Lift your foot and observe the texture!

 Have students write their names on the bottom of the turtles body. 

Take a smaller chunk of clay to use for the head.

Roll it into a ball shape.

With the remaining pieces, form a cone shape shape with a flat bottom.

Use your thumbs to apply pressure, flattening out the cone to create a flipper shape.

Slightly bend the flipper for a more realistic look.

With the body, use the thumb and finger to pinch a tail.

Now it is time to attach the head and flippers. Use a serrated rib or any other tool to score the surface of the clay for joining. It is important to score or scratch both surfaces that will be joined.

Scored and ready to be joined.

Use a small amount of water to moisten the scored areas. This will create a slip (glue) for joining.

Put the two pieces together. Use firm pressure.

Turn the turtle over and blend the pieces together to ensure they are attached.

Attach the rest of the body parts using the "scratch and attach" method.

With pen caps or other tools create a face and any addition detail you would like to see on your turtle.

Allow to dry for 5 -7 days and paint or glaze to finish.