Ancient Greece Inspired Pottery Craft

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We have learned a lot about the ancient Greeks from pottery that is more than 3,000 years old, so it seemed pretty appropriate to end our Ancient Greece Day with a pottery craft.



Ancient Greek pots were handmade from clay by artisans who who were experts at their craft. Then they were painted by artists who told stories of every day life and beliefs in gods and goddesses through their artwork. These every day pots were used for cooking, storage, and anything else they might be needed for! As years went by "every day clay" did not attract treasure hunters, but did manage to survive for centuries and millennia -- long enough for modern day archaeologists to find and learn about ancient cultures!


I suppose it would have been more authentic to make our own clay pots, but that would have also been a lot more work. (If you do want to make your own, Maggy has directions that actually make it look really easy here!)

Anyway, I got a bunch of clay pots for the kids to decorate! We just used Sharpie permanent markers, and the kids had a great time! I suggested they draw something from their "every day life" like the ancient Greeks, and about half of them did. The other half made "cool designs" or "beautiful pots" or (one kiddo made a) "spy themed story!" They all did a fantastic job and were excited to take them home and put things in them!



This was pretty much the perfect art project: it was something ALL ages (preschool and up) could easily do and enjoy on their own level at the same time. And they got to use it too!



Are you studying ancient Greece? If so, check out this awesome Greek architecture STEM project! We had a TON of fun with it!!  And be sure to let me know if you're doing an Ancient Greece theme--I'd love to see what you do!



Happy Educating,
Carla








I may share at any of these parties!




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