Books/images of witches and wizards - images from film and literature - images of witches/wizards dolls and puppets. Pattern for puppet, pattern for clothes (patterns help to make cutting of clothes go much more smoothly)

Newsprint, clay, clay modeling tools, canvas cloth, wood boards, pottery needles, straws (or Kemper hole maker), white cord (black could be used), fish line, 1/2 inch x 4 inch wood sticks (for control bars), assorted fabrics, black Pellon (or felt), yarns, ribbons

Puppet Pattern - enlarge to desired size for student use - click for larger image

Major Outcomes

Student Tasks

Students generate art works to communicate ideas

1. Brainstorm and illustrate different types of costumes and characters
2. Illustrate the "still life" of a witch (what props/surroundings would be present). Demonstrate your understanding of the elements (line, tone and shape)

Design Task:

1. Develop 2 characters from your brainstorming and preliminary illustrations
2. Choose one to generate to a full size image. Illustrate the clothing, hair, jewelry and accessories. Label and color. Incorporate line, shape, pattern.

Students use skills, techniques and technologies of the arts

1. To the teacher - Develop a WebQuest for witches and wizards - find suitable sites for student to explore to see the role in film and literature....include some online sources for dollmakers and puppet makers. Teacher will integrate technology through the use of a PowerPoint of images. 

Media Testing:

1. Experiment with drawing techniques in a variety of ways
2. Experiment with the different clay techniques shown in class - in a variety of ways
3. Experiment with different clothing designs.

Skills and Processes:

1. Demonstrate the necessary clay skills and knowledge in clay construction and sculptural detail (pinch method, additive and subtractive and slab methods)
2. Select the appropriate mixed media and apply detail carefully to final piece.

Elements and Principles:

1. Demonstrate careful consideration of the elements - form space and texture -- and the principles - unity, balance, proportion.

Creativity and Originality:

1. Create a clay puppet that reflects an intriguing interpretation of the theme.
   • Make a pinch pot head to approximate size given - add facial features and carve features. Make sure head is hollow - put pin hole in back of head for air to escape. Shape into chin and neck. Put small hole in neck for tying to body - put hole through at top for stringing
   • Cut body section - make impressions for knots of arms and legs (these will be hot glued on) Alternate - put holes and tie on arms and legs with fish line. Put hole towards bottom of body for string - this will help marionette take a bow.
   • Cut out and shape hands and feet/shoes - put hole in for string up. Alternate suggestion: put holes in knees to give a walking motion - using one long string for legs. Make impression for knots on hand and feet ( or small holes to tie on with fishing line).
   • Make knees and elbows - use straw to put hole through.
   • Put name on back of body - keep all parts together on wood boards for drying. (Teacher make want to have some quickly made ceramic bow shapes ready to put all pieces in kiln for firing)
   • Design and make clothing - keep sewing simple. See clothing notes.
     
2. Select media to achieve unique qualities and decorative treatments within your work.

Completion:

1. Produce a fired clay puppet that uses mixed media in construction, decorative treatment and final detail
   • Assemble puppet - hot glue arms and legs cord knots to hands, feet and body. String puppet up - make cross bar by latching the two sticks at 90° angle. To the teacher: Look at a variety of marionette puppets to determine the way you prefer to string them up. Holes can be pre-drilled in cross bars. Wire brads can be nailed in at either end of the cross bar for one long continuous string for legs.

Work Practice:

1. Demonstrate you can focus on the end task, take pride in your workspace, be responsible, clean up and participate in discussions.

Students understand the role of arts in society

1. Research dollmaking and puppet making using source provided
2. Explore an artist who make dolls and/or puppets
3. Discuss and show example of their work

Extension:

1. Write a short play for your puppet.

Students use aesthetic understanding to respond to and evaluate the arts

1. Fill out self-evaluation rubric
2. Outline why you think it is or isn't successful and how you could make improvements.

Modified Rubric:

Assess on craftsmanship - creativity and originality - proportions - embellishments - costume design and accessories