Here is a quick and simple way to show students how to get imagery onto their clay surface. If your students are like mine, most of them are taking ceramics because they feel like they "can't" draw. Using this graphite transfer method creates fast and successful results that can encourage students to keep making art. Watch the video below for the full method. 

The three hand-building skills cup is my introduction assignments for my high school ceramics classes. This assignment uses all three hand-building skills (pinch, coil, and slabs) to make a functional cup. This is a great way to kick off the school year and introduce students to clay. Students get the challenge of learning these new skills and end up with a functional piece of ceramics right from the first lesson.  I prefer this assignment over giving each hand-building skill separately,  students will build confidence more quickly, they will improve on these skills throughout the school year and I can give more challenging assignments using this skills earlier.  Below is an instructional video I made about this assignment. A future post will include two different ways you could decorate the surface.