Sculptor and Clay Partners

In pairs, one student is the sculptor who gently shapes a partner made of soft clay into a statue on a theme; then the class sets up a museum and visitors guess each piece. Students practice expressive movement, trust and caring for a partner.

How to play

1. Explain how to sculpt: the sculptor positions arms, head and hands with two fingers or by showing the pose for the clay to copy (2 min).
2. In pairs, the sculptor makes a free statue in one minute to calm music; then switch roles (4 min).
3. Give one theme per round (athlete, superhero, animal, emotion), with 60 seconds per sculpture (5 min).
4. Museum: half the class stays as statues while the sculptors stroll as visitors guessing titles (3 min).
5. Switch so the other half becomes the museum (3 min).
6. Each pair shares which pose was hardest to hold (1 min).

Rules

• The sculptor moves the partner slowly and never forces a joint.
• If the clay says a pose is uncomfortable, change it right away.
• Statues stay on both feet or on the floor, never on one foot for long.
• In the museum, look but do not touch.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the statue is made seated using arms, torso and face.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: use the no-touch version, showing the pose like a mirror.
• Visual impairment: the student is the sculptor and explores the statue's pose with their hands.

Learning goals

• Create expressive poses based on a theme.
• Hold a pose with control for a short time.
• Treat a partner's body with respect and care.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music
• speakers: 1

Teacher tip

Always check that touch is OK and offer the no-touch version. Pair students of similar height to make sculpting easier.

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