Arts integration projects for schools

The listed projects on this page are suggestions that can be altered to suit a specific class or class curriculum. Any time a teacher has an idea, he or she is welcome to discuss it with me. There are very few things that cannot be changed to accommodate custom needs.

Project: Clay tiles with painted under glazes.

The sample project below is intended as a social study project

Theme: Ndebele art.

Process: Each student will receive a 6”x 6“clay tile ready to paint underglazes on. Underglazes (engobe) are ceramic materials that are painted on the tile and become part of the final product, once it is glazed with a clear glaze and fired. These tiles can be permanently installed like regular kitchen or bathroom tiles. Depending on the clay and glaze type, it can become an in, or outdoor feature.

Short overview of the Ndebele tribe.
The Ndebele tribe is one of many tribes in South Africa (Southern Ndebele) and Zimbabwe (Northern Ndebele), mostly known for their artwork. The tradition of painting their houses in bright colors began when the need developed to communicate with each other through symbols. They used bird feathers and sticks that they chewed on one end to make bristles, similar to brushes we use today, to paint with.

Bulky neck, arm and leg rings and special aprons worn by females are part of their tradition.
Although there are more fashion statements made in modern times, there are still hidden symbols in their patterns, similar to how we use letters and figures or other type of symbols by which people recognize who we are.

Their aprons, for instance, will have patterns that will tell others whether the female is young and ready to get married, or if she is already married.

They use glass beads almost in everything they wear and it became a good source of income to make beaded objects and to sell it, especially to tourists

Art  activity:
Each child will observe the art work of the Ndebele from images provided.
They will draw geometric patterns on their tile and then paint colorful ceramic engobe in the patterns to mimic Ndebele art.
The students will outline these patterns with black ceramic paint (engobe).
Students will be provided with a clay tile, water, paint brushes, a pencil, ceramic engobe and a sponge.
Finishing of project
When the clay tiles are dry, it will be fired in a pottery kiln after which it can be glazed with a clear glaze. The project of the students can be installed on a wall like regular tiles if so chosen.
*NOTE*
If a kiln and clear glaze is needed, I can provide that services to the school
Provided by the school: brushes, pencils and cups for water.