Clay Bobblehead Sculpture

In this lesson, Students will learn basic sculpting techniques to create clay bobblehead figures. They will explore concepts of proportion, balance, and expression while adhering to safety guidelines and proper use of materials. Scroll on down to see some examples. I did not have a theme. It was use your imagination.

Lesson Plan Steps that I used:

• Show examples of bobblehead figures to the students, discussing their characteristics, proportions, and features.
• Explain the objectives of the lesson and the materials they'll be using.
• Discuss safety guidelines for handling clay and sculpting tools.
• Demonstrate basic sculpting techniques using clay, focusing on building the body, head, and features of the bobblehead.
• Show how to create a bobblehead's head. Several YouTube videos out there on this topic. Just need to pick one that works for you.
• Emphasize the importance of proportion and balance in the design.
• Provide each student with a lump of clay and guide them through the process of sculpting their bobblehead figures. I recently brought and electric scale and each student will get a weighed piece of clay for the body. 
• I offered individual assistance and feedback as students work on their sculptures. I will monitor and walk around the room.
• Once the clay sculptures have dried, I bisqued in the kiln. Slow on 04.
• Encourage students to use reference images or their imagination to add color and details to their bobbleheads.
• Have students reflect on their creative process and the challenges they faced during the project. Peer Tutor one another.
• Discuss the importance of perseverance and experimentation in art.
• Clean up the workspace once they have been bisqued then they are to glaze them and fire again on 06 fast. Use good craftsmanship on all the steps.

We have blogged on Bobble Heads before see below:

https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2016/05/emoji-bobble-heads.html

https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2021/09/clay-bobble-heads-in-3d-art-class.html

https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2021/12/clay-bobble-headsthey-kust-make-me-smile.html

National Standards:

• VA:Cr1.1.6a: Engage collaboratively in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
• VA:Cr2.1.6a: Engage in making a work of art or design without having a preconceived plan.
• VA:Cr3.1.6a: Generate multiple solutions to a specific art or design problem.
• VA:Re9.1.6a: Apply art materials and tools with skill and confidence.

Materials Needed:

• We used regular low fire white clay. You could use Air-dry clay or polymer clay
• Sculpting tools (clay modeling tools, toothpicks, etc.)
• Glazes and brushes
• Water and rags for cleaning
• Workspace coverings (plastic tablecloths, newspapers, etc.)
• Reference images of bobblehead figures
• Blog post

Creating clay bobblehead sculptures provides students with an opportunity to explore their creativity while developing their sculpting and painting skills. By aligning with national standards, this lesson plan aims to foster artistic expression and critical thinking in middle school students. I love this lesson and so do my students! Have you ever made them? If not, give it a try!

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