1st Grade Clay Pinch Pots

Making a pinch pot in 1st grade is more than just a fun art project—it’s a hands-on experience that builds fine motor skills, creative confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the art-making process. By using low-fire white clay, our young artists practiced essential techniques like pinching, shaping, and smoothing, which help strengthen their hand muscles and coordination (a bonus for writing and other classroom skills!).

Glazing was an exciting final step—each pot was coated in food-safe glaze, making it both beautiful and functional. To test this out, we put Skittles into each finished bowl and made a delicious discovery: our special treat tasted even sweeter when eaten from our personalized pot!

This project showed our students that their hard work and creativity could result in something real, useful, and joyful. We hope anyone who sees these little ceramic treasures is as impressed as we are with the care, patience, and pride poured into every piece.

If you don't see your 1st grade artist's pinch pot, email me and I can help you. 

Thanks for sharing your incredible artist with me this year. I can't wait to see what next year's art class will be like!