Fourth grade students create ceramic nativity scenes
Mrs. Ables’ fourth grade students have been hard at work spreading Christmas cheer and learning about ceramics as they create nativity scenes. Elizabeth Ables, art teacher, started this tradition during her first year at Wesleyan school.
“I was a parent of students myself, and I know I treasure these types of things,” reflects Ables.
Students have been spending the Christmas season preparing these beautiful ceramic nativity scenes including figurines of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. They have learned about basic pottery techniques such as the pinch, coil, and slab. These hand-building pottery approaches are a precursor to the wheel method taught by Michael Tablada, art teacher.
In addition to cultivating various pottery skills, the project allows students to reflect on the beauty and importance of tradition.
“The project teaches students skills, while also allowing them to have a special keepsake to hold on to,” smiles Ables.” I remind them that they will pull out these nativity scenes when they have children of their own one day, and it will become a treasured holiday tradition for times to come.”
We love celebrating the birth of Christ through art and are so proud of our fourth grade students!
