Claymation Creations at PCS: Bringing Characters to Life with Clay
Claymation is a creative way for PCS students to express themselves through storytelling, art, and hands-on learning. In this class, we use colorful clay and simple tools to design characters and animate our ideas. Here’s a closer look at what happens in our claymation sessions!
Class Guidelines: Setting Up for Success
Before we start sculpting, it’s important to follow a few basic rules that keep the classroom clean and fun for everyone. These simple steps help everyone stay focused and organized.
Respect Each Other’s Work
Only handle your own creations. Everyone works hard on their characters, so we respect each other’s space.
Keep Materials in Place
Keep tools and clay on the table or work surface.
Clean Up Together
Return all materials, including tools, clay, and supplies, when the class ends or as the instructor directs.
Materials We Use: Getting to Know the Tools
Claymation uses lots of tools and materials that are new to us.
Plasticine Clay
This is a nondrying, colorful clay that can be shaped in all kinds of ways. We experiment with it by cutting or pinching off small pieces, then forming coils, balls, and slab forms.
Clay Tools
We have fun trying out different tools to shape and smooth our clay figures. Everyone finds the tools that work best for them. Some of the tools we use include:
- Small rolling pins
- Craft knives
- Plastic or wooden sculpting sticks
- Texture stamps
- Modeling spatulas
Creating Our Characters
Once we understand the basics, we start building. We each decide what kind of figure we want to make. Some of us choose animals, some go with superheroes, and others invent completely new characters. Using coils, balls, and slab shapes, we bring our ideas to life, step by step.
All of our creations are different, and that’s what makes this class exciting.
What We’re Learning
Even though it’s fun, claymation teaches us important skills:
- Patience and focus to build detailed figures
- Creative expression, so everyone’s ideas come through visually
- Following directions and routines, skills that support future independence
“It teaches what we can do because it’s not the typical art”
Steven B.
“I’m an artist, I like art, I like to draw, I like working with the clay too”
Nathan J.
What’s Next?
We’ve already seen amazing characters take shape in class. Every week brings something new, and we’re always excited to keep exploring and creating together.
Check out our calendar and join us for fun activities at PCS!
