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New
New
Year 3

Make a modelling clay monster

I can create a modelling clay monster and scenery for a stop-animation.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 3

Make a modelling clay monster

I can create a modelling clay monster and scenery for a stop-animation.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Different sculpting techniques such as rolling and pinching can be used to create various shapes and textures.
  2. Joining pieces securely is essential for a sturdy sculpture.
  3. A variety of tools can be used to create details and textures to enhance the appearance of a clay model.
  4. Creating scenery helps to tell a story.

Keywords

  • Scenery - the background or surrounding elements that add context to a sculpture

  • Texture - how something feels when it is touched

  • Sculpting techniques - are ways to shape materials like clay, wood, or metal

Common misconception

Pupils might believe that the characters are the only important part of the animation and that scenery doesn't matter. They also may believe that scenery is only for decorative purposes.

Addressing these misconceptions through discussion and reference to examples can help students understand the importance of scenery in clay animation and how it enhances storytelling.

Oil based clay works best as it will not air dry as quickly. Use air tight containers to prevent air from drying out the clay if you are retaining models between lessons. You could use real or found objects in your background. A stand can be created for your digital device using polymer clay.
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Teacher tip

Equipment

Modelling clay

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords with the correct descriptions.
Correct Answer:sketch,a quick, simple drawing with just a few lines

a quick, simple drawing with just a few lines

Correct Answer:storyboard,a sequence of drawings that represent the shots planned for media

a sequence of drawings that represent the shots planned for media

Correct Answer:animation,a series of drawings or images that are shown quickly

a series of drawings or images that are shown quickly

Q2.
We use a to plan out the steps of our story before we create the animation.
Correct answer: storyboard
list
letter
script
Q3.
A sketch is the final version of your monster design.
True
Correct answer: False
Q4.
What do you need to make an animation of your clay monster?
Correct answer: a camera or digital device
Correct answer: storyboard
Correct answer: clay monster
crayons
Q5.
When making a storyboard we use pictures and ...
Correct Answer: words, text, notes, annotation, sentences
Q6.
Before we make our monster with clay, we draw a to help us plan what it will look like.
Correct Answer: Sketch

5 Questions

Q1.
What is the best way to attach two body parts of your plasticine monster?
Stick them together without any support.
Use glue.
Correct answer: Use a toothpick and smooth the joints.
Tie them with string.
Q2.
Why do we create scenery for our plasticine monster?
to make the monster stand out more
Correct answer: to help tell a story with the monster
so the monster doesn’t look lonely
to protect the monster
Q3.
Match the keywords to the definitions.
Correct Answer:texture,how something feels when it is touched

how something feels when it is touched

Correct Answer:scenery,the background or surrounding elements that add context to a sculpture

the background or surrounding elements that add context to a sculpture

Correct Answer:sculpting techniques,are ways to shape materials like clay, wood, or metal

are ways to shape materials like clay, wood, or metal

Q4.
When making scenery for our monster, we can use natural objects like...
Correct answer: leaves.
Correct answer: stones.
Correct answer: twigs.
plastic forks.
Q5.
A variety of tools can be used to create details and on our clay model.
Correct Answer: texture, tecture