Benefits of Clay
"Creative children are curious, flexible, persistent and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure & a love of play"
Henri Matisse
Improves Creativity
Encourages children to express creativity in their own individual ways by thinking outside the box
Improves Motor Skills
Major motor skills - both arm and hand muscles are used to manipulate clay
Fine motor skills - refined through the use of hand eye coordination
Soothing Qualities of Clay
The calming effect of the clay captivates a child's attention and keeps them engaged while their imagination is allowed to take over
Improves Sensory Development
Senses such as touch, sight and smell allows for sensory development. A safe environment to create art based on a child’s own development stage allowing growth without limiting children to each other
Improves Self-Esteem and Problem Solving
Child centred learning means that they have control over their creations. Creation is the goal and mistakes can quickly be fixed giving them the confidence to keep trying. Self esteem grows when children can create something while still having fun. A safe environment allows children to learn without pressure
Creative Play
A lump of clay can be manipulated into different shapes and forms and becomes an actualisation of the child’s imagination. Creative play is encouraged by allowing children to come up with their own interpretations. One child’s clay dog will not look like any other child’s clay dog encouraging individualism and acceptance.
Supported Play
Structured lessons help in building a child’s confidence through being able to explore the qualities and limitations of the clay and the final creation at the end of the lesson is a confirmation of this new found confidence. The quality of the clay makes making mistakes good learning opportunities. These ‘happy accidents’ are quickly fixed and often lead to exciting explorations and the result is evident in a final product.
Discovery Play
After the initial introductory lessons children are able to draw on their knowledge and confidence to suggest content for lessons. This allows them to actively partake in the lessons and steer their own experiences and learning.
- Based on article by Lana Bandoim on blog.activityhero.com
Kindergarten Lessons
"Creativity is as important
as Literacy"
Sir Ken Robinson
The language of clay has many benefits for your developing child. The calming nature of working with clay leaves a lasting impression and gives you as the parent a tangible validation of your child’s development. When you see beyond the artwork you will recognize children who are able to use their creativity to experience the world around them.
Structure of Lessons
A session is made up of two separate lessons run over a fortnight period. Within each of the lessons children will be divided up into smaller groups (6 -8 children per group - how many groups will depend on how many children in the class) this is to ensure individualised attention for each child. The structure of the lessons are flexible and can be tailored to your centres needs. Each lesson runs for approximately an hour.
The rate for lessons is $180 per lesson per week* which includes all equipment, clay, and paint as well as firing and glazing of pottery items for up to 18 children per lesson. Classes over 18 children will either be charged an extra rate of $7 per child or the class will be split into a three weekly cycle. Should you require additional classes these are charged at a discounted rate.*
*from July 2021 these rates will increase to include an additional GST of 10%
Pottery items made from clay in the first lesson are taken away to be bisque fired, children are then afforded the opportunity to add their own personal touch with special underglaze paints in the second lesson. Once professionally glazed pottery items are returned to each child to take home with them.
Outcome 1 - Children have a strong sense of identity, working collaboratively, enhancing curiosity
Outcome 2 - Children are connected & contribute to their world, embrace natural world, playful & joins in
Outcome 3 - Children have a strong sense of wellbeing, sense of achievement, enjoy solitary play
Outcome 4 - Children are confident and involved learners, problem solving
Outcome 5 - Children are effective communicators, investigate and share stories
To book regular lessons for your Kindy or Early Learning Centre, click here.
