Storyteller Figures

Objectives:
1. Students will understand how Storytellers figures were created and became popular (historical and cultural understanding.)
2. Students will learn about the images and forms used to create storyteller figures (perceiving, analyzing and responding.)
3. Students will find their own solutions in the process of creating their own storyteller figures (creating and performing.)

New Mexico Educational Standards
Art 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Social Studies II
Native Languages 1, 2, 3

Materials
clay, newspaper, plastic containers for water, clay tools, small cardboard pieces, plastic bags to cover drying clay

Motivation
Show the students images of storyteller figures and explain to them that Helen Cordero made the first storyteller figure after she tried to make pots and vessels but didn't' feel successful. She was thinking about her grandfather who was a great storyteller and who was frequently surrounded by children who were eager to hear his tales. Who tells them stories or how do they hear stories? If they could describe a storyteller who is real or imaginary, how would they look? Who would be listening? They can make a real or an imaginary character, a human, an animal, a plant or an inanimate object.

Procedure
1. The students can divide the clay into a larger piece for the storyteller and a smaller piece for the listeners.
2. Make the storyteller figure, it should be a simple shape that is strong. Use clay modeling techniques such as scoring and using slip to reinforce joined pieces.
3. Add the listeners to the storyteller figure, or place them around the main figure. Place the clay figures on the small cardboard pieces.
4. Decorate the figures with textures using clay tools.

Evaluation
Give the storyteller figures names and histories. Where do they live? What culture did they grow up in? What stories do they tell?

Have the students write stories that their storytellers tell. They can read them aloud, beside their storyteller figure.

Paint the storytellers figures or, if a kiln is available, fire and glaze the figures.

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