destination dig vbs :: day 1 :: artifact pinch pots craft

Our church VBS coordinator decided on the theme Destination Dig. This week in Vacation Bible School preschoolers will be digging to find truths about Jesus. They will be hearing about these truths in Bible stories read to them by their teachers. Craft’s for Day 1 the kids will be making an Artifact Pinch Pot.  Teachers will explain that archaeologist often discover pots or pieces of pottery that help them learn about the people who lived i the area of the dig site. I plan to have pinch pots that I have made on display for the kids to see.  They will have their own dig site to dig up pieces of pretend pots.

Materials::

• Air Dry Clay
• Ziplock Bags (1 per child)
• Toothpicks for drawing on the clay

Advanced Preparation::

• Make a sample Pinch Pot
• Make a 2-2 1/2 ball of air dry clay
• Place the clay ball into a Ziplock bag

Step 1::  Have your students roll their clay into a ball.  The more they work the clay the easier it will be for them to create the Artifact Pinch Pot.

Step 2:: Then have your students hold the ball with both hands and place their thumbs together in the center of the ball.  Tell them to gently press their thumbs into the clay to form a hole.

Step 3:: Once the hole is formed you can have them thin the clay by continuing in this process or if they are younger tell them when to stop molding the clay until they are about a quarter of an inch thick.

Step 4:: Now your students can draw on the outside of their Pinch Pots–just remind them not to go too deep.

Step 5::  Last leave your Pinch Pots to dry for 24 hours uncovered.

I would make sure to do this craft during the first few days so that it has enough time to dry for the kids to take home.  You can also paint your pots before the kids take them home as well.  Or you can keep the clay in an airtight bag you should be able to work on it for several days if you choose to.

Which curriculum is your church using for VBS this year?