12-week technical handbuilding ceramics class plan for kids, designed to progressively teach a new handbuilding technique each week. Each session is 2 hours long, and the goal is for each child to learn and apply one core technique per session while completing a themed object. At the end of each session, they receive a “Technique Badge” checkmark toward their overall progress.
program goals
Develop core ceramic handbuilding techniques.
Encourage creativity through themed projects.
Build fine motor skills, patience, and confidence.
Progressively develop from simple to complex forms.
course breakdown — techniques by session
session 1: Pinching
session 2: Coiling
session 3: Soft Slab Construction
session 4: Hard Slab Construction
session 5: Scoring & Slipping
session 6: Additive Sculpting
session 7: Subtractive Carving
session 8: Hollowing Solid Forms
session 9: Balance & Composition
session 10: Handle & Attachment
session 11: Glaze & Underglaze Techniques
session 12: Integration of All Skills
additional elements:
Each week includes a brief demo, followed by hands-on work and sketching before forming.
All kids need to get an exploratory sketchbooks for ideation.
Offer 10–15 minutes of group reflection at the end of each class to build artistic vocabulary and peer learning.