Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will learn about Staffordshire dogs and their history, as well as create your own Staffordshire dog craft.

Materials and Prep

Materials:

• White air-dry clay
• Acrylic paint (brown, black, white)
• Paintbrushes
• Water cup
• Paper plate for mixing paint

Prep:

• Read a brief history of Staffordshire dogs to share with your student.
• Set up a workspace with a clean surface for crafting.

Activities

Create a Staffordshire Dog Craft:

• Start by molding the white clay into the shape of a dog figurine.
• Let the clay dry completely before painting the dog with acrylic paint.
• Use reference images of Staffordshire dogs to add details like facial features and fur patterns.
• Once the paint is dry, display your Staffordshire dog proudly!

Talking Points

• Staffordshire dogs were originally made in England in the 19th century. You can say, "Staffordshire dogs were popular decorative items that people used to display in their homes."
• These figurines were often made of pottery or porcelain. You can say, "The Staffordshire dogs were crafted with great detail and care by skilled artisans."
• Staffordshire dogs were named after the region where they were first created, Staffordshire, England. You can say, "The name 'Staffordshire' comes from the place where these beautiful figurines were first made."
• People collected Staffordshire dogs as a symbol of good luck and loyalty. You can say, "Many people believed that having a Staffordshire dog in their home brought good luck and represented loyalty."