Learning & Teaching with Preschoolers
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Learning and Teaching with Preschoolers

Where the magic begins

Clay and Wire Day 24

8/28/2016

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Day Twentyfour

Every preschool child has had the opportunity to use play dough, but clay is a whole different world for them to explore.
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Why use clay?
The beautiful thing about clay is that it needs no explanation or instruction.  Children will instantly squeeze and pinch clay which is a perfect match to develop children’s large and small muscles.  As children squeeze and manipulate clay it will also foster eye-hand coordination, self-expression, problem solving skills, discipline and it will also stimulate their imagination and creativity.
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​ Many new neurons and synapses in the brain are being generated when a child is engaged by the immediate tactile and visual feedback provided by clay. 
by Marvin Bartel, Ed.D. in Art Education © 2006
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​Stages of Clay Creations

Stage One:  Children will pinch, poke, roll and pound the clay.
As they begin to pinch and poke the clay they learn that their actions cause the clay to change form. 

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Play is Learning
Stage Two:  Children will begin to add found items to their clay sculptures.
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Let the Children Play
Stage Three:  Children will roll and coil clay.
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Stage Four:  Children will begin to roll and pinch clay into familiar objects.
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Provide other elements to enhance imagination and creativity.
  • Wire
  • Buttons
  • Beads
  • Sticks
  • Bark
  • Stones

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Tools and Supplies
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AMACO Air Dry Clay, 25-Pound, White
Sculpting Wheel
Pottery Tool Set
Wooden Clay Hammers
Clay and Dough Pattern Rollers

Wooden Clay Sculpture Knife
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Task:
Try using clay in your classroom this year. 
If your still not sure about purchasing a large amount of clay, try making a batch of air hardening modeling clay.
Recipe
Air Hardening Modeling Clay
        2 cups baking soda
        1 cup cornstarch (cornflour)
        1.5 cups cold water
        (makes about 2 pounds - the recipe can be halved).
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    I'm Tami Sanders creator of Learning and Teaching with Preschoolers, a blog to help teachers create magical moments for the young.

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