In this polymer clay art class, students will learn how to use clay techniques to make character figurines and decorations for fairy gardens. Students will learn how to use tools and how to shape clay. We will discuss ideas for tiny versions of things we can add to our fairy garden collection and what each overall garden theme might be. We will learn how to shape eyes and connect limbs, hair, and clothing to our characters. I will build and add to a potted fairy garden in each lesson. At the end of the unit, the garden will be ready to display.

Week 1: (2 Lessons) 
      - Design ideas, plan your garden with sketches, and set up the garden with dirt in the pot.
      - Start with tiny mushrooms and a water bath.
      - Making a garden gnome.
          Skills: Familiarize with polymer tools, choosing baking times, and rolling techniques to attach pieces.

Week 2: (2 Lessons) 
   - Snails and birds
  - Hedgehog with a mushroom house
           Skills: Attaching small limbs as well as glazing with polyurethane.

Week 3: (2 Lessons) 
 - Pumpkins and carrots
 - Vegetable garden gate and sign.
     
          Skills: Discuss garden design, look at ideas, and use flattening tools to layer clay. 
 
Week 4: (2 Lessons) 
    - Building an acorn birdhouse.
     - Tables, fences, and benches from natural things.
  
           Skills: Storing clay and removing dust or fingerprints from polymer.
    
Week 5:  (2 lessons)
      - Creating a secret door and stepping stones.
      - Flowers, a lantern, and assembling the garden. 

I will show students step by step and have a camera on myself and my hand while I work. Students will have access to a class Padlet where they can see images of and like the work of others. All posts need to be approved by me, so only appropriate posts will go up. The Padlet works like a giant bulletin board where students can see their peer's work and get more ideas about what to try independently. They can also ask questions in the classroom and share techniques that work. 

I am skilled at differentiating content for many ages and learning needs in a kind and supportive style. 
We will also practice the following:
- Blending
- Smoothing
- Tapering
- Sculpting

I love teaching flex classes because it allows me to make mini lessons for students based on their interests. They can also share their creations on the class Padlet.