Teacher: Samantha Melvin, RJ Richey Elementary, Burnet, Texas

Level: Grade 4 and up

The Project: I tested STAEDTLER’s FIMOair natural modelling clay with a group of fifth graders who created three-dimensional portraits to accompany a language arts research project.

Each student was given one packet of the individually wrapped clay.
The clay is fibrous, and students liked the clay’s papier-mâché-like finish.

Students first formed a head and neck for their portraits, using clay tool to achieve greater detail.

FIMOair is paintable, so students used acrylic to turn the portraits into realistic works of art.
They were also able to easily add embellishments using regular white school glue.

I saved the leftover pieces of clay in a ziploc bag with the air squeezed out so that students were able to use the clay again later.

When working with FIMOair, it is very important that students have a clear picture of what they need to accomplish, as the surface does dry quickly.

Fourth and fifth graders are able to manage their work process with that in mind. Older students, in middle or high school, would have an amazing time integrating this
material into larger sculptural pieces.

Please also visit www.schoolartsonline.com