Art & Craft — Modelling: Slab Technique

Subtopic: Slab Technique (for age 7, Kenya)

The slab technique is a way to make things from clay by rolling it flat like a pancake (a slab). You can make plates, tiles, boxes or simple bowls. Ask an adult to help when using sharp tools or going to the kiln.

Materials

• Air-dry clay or school clay
• Rolling pin or a clean bottle
• Flat board or tray (work surface)
• Plastic sheet or cloth (to stop sticking)
• Small knife or plastic cutter (adult help)
• Spoon or stick for smoothing
• Water in a small cup (to make slip)
• Leaves, cloth, sisal, or a coin for patterns

Simple Steps (Easy words)

1. Warm the clay in your hands until it is soft.
2. Put clay on a plastic sheet on your board.
3. Cover with another sheet and roll flat with a rolling pin. Make it about as thick as your little finger (≈1 cm).
4. Lift the top sheet. Cut out the shape you want — circle, square, heart.
5. To join pieces: scratch both edges a little (make tiny cuts). Add a little watery clay (slip). Press edges together gently.
6. Smooth the join with your finger or a wet spoon.
7. Decorate: press a leaf, cloth, or coin into the clay to make a pattern. You can draw lines with a stick.
8. Let dry slowly. Keep in shade for air-dry clay. Ask a teacher about firing (kiln).

Easy Project: Make a Clay Tile with a Kenyan Pattern

Make a square tile and press a pattern like a little acacia tree, a sun, or a kitenge design.

1. Roll clay to a flat slab about 1 cm thick.
2. Cut a square (10 cm × 10 cm) or ask your teacher for size.
3. Use a leaf or sisal to press a pattern into the surface.
4. Score the edges and add a small clay frame if you like (join with slip).
5. Let it dry. Paint with safe paints when dry (optional).

Quick Safety & Care

• Always wash your hands after handling clay.
• Use scissors or knives with an adult present.
• Do not put clay in your mouth.
• Keep clay covered when not using it so it does not dry out.

Clean-Up Time!

Put scraps in a container, wipe the board with a damp cloth, and return tools to the teacher or shelf.

Try This at Home or School

Make a small bowl or a name tile. Write your name on the tile before it dries. Use a bright kitenge-like pattern for colour.

Tiny Visual Steps

Questions to think about

• What will you make with the slab technique?
• Which Kenyan pattern will you press into your clay?
• Can you make a small present for a friend or family member?

Remember: Have fun, be careful, and keep trying. Art helps us show our stories and culture.