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Creating snail sculptures
This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils are introduced to working with clay, using etching techniques to create patterns inspired by nature.
Children begin by examining snail shells, observing the zigzags, curves, lines and dots on their surfaces. They sketch these patterns in their sketchbooks before designing their own. Pupils then roll clay into a spiral shell shape and use simple tools to etch patterns into the surface. As they work, children consider the effect of deep or shallow marks and describe the textures they create. They are encouraged to experiment, smooth out mistakes, and adapt their ideas, understanding that reassessment is part of the creative process. By the end of the lesson, pupils will have developed confidence in using clay and explored how natural forms can inspire decorative design.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 1 Sculptures and collages (Living things) unit.
See more of our original Key stage 1 Art and design scheme of work.