Clay
A Natural MaterialPreschoolers love playing with clay in the art studio. At first introduction of the clay, the children were fascinated, motivated and empowered to keep creating. The clay was returned to “the big clump” to be used again next time. The children understood clay to be reusable, renewable. They understood clay comes from the earth in this form. They learn how clay cleans up and how its effected by water. When asked what clay feels like; “It’s heavy”, “smells like dirt”, “It’s cold.”
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EmpowermentAs they rolled, cut, and molded the clay at their own developmental level they were given more tools and techniques to make changes to the clay. This was empowering. The empowerment encouraged more experimentation. Later they kept their favorite pieces. The children dried, kiln-fired, glazed, and re-fired their art to achieve these functional, durable results.
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The ProcessOne child worked on his bus and dump truck for 5 sessions. He wrapped his clay at the end of each session and kept it moist for next time. As our sessions ended there was discussion among the children around wrapping their clay or drying it out. The process looked just like students revising their final draft of an important paper.
One child knelt on the floor to get close to his project. He spent an entire session shaving the clay with wire a tool. “The clay is curling,” he said excitedly. When brought to his attention that he was on the floor, he laughed and kept shaving. When asked if he would like to fire the clay, he said “No. I just like using the tools.” Lesson: Sometimes it’s the process that is most important. |
The Importance of Playing With Clay
Clay play seems therapeutic and calming. Clay is so flexible and compliant there is no frustration. Our sessions are quiet and focused. Mistakes are easily fixed building self esteem. Clay stimulates our children’s curiosity awakening creativity and intelligence. Many new neurons and synapses in the brain are being generated when a child is engaged by the immediate tactile and visual feedback clay provides. Manipulating a piece of clay develops the child’s large and small muscles. Clay play fosters eye-hand coordination. The children pound, poke, roll, and play with the clay often expressing their emotions. It is amazing how important clay is to our children’s development, and yet, it feels like play!
~Judy
~Judy