Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/fostering-experiences-between-young-children-and-clay/5010851/
Clay is a wonderful medium for young children to explore. A simple hand motion can change the form of the clay in a matter of seconds. Clay can be poked, pinched, pounded, rolled, squashed, squeezed, stretched, torn, broken, attached, and much more. Because clay is a three-dimensional medium, it tends to foster exploration of three-dimensional objects. Since most objects and creatures in our world are three-dimensional, you can see that the medium of clay holds a great deal of potential for thinking about, exploring, and reacting to the forms in our world.Clay is therapeutic. When one works with clay, a special kind of communication takes place between the hands, the clay, and the imagination. It is a very personal experience. Clay is responsive. It gives immediate feedback. Anyone can make a shape in clay and, with experience, gain more skill and control in shaping clay into a desired form.
Generally, young children approach clay by squeezing, pressing, and pounding it with their hands and fingers. They become familiar with the feel of the clay. As children spend more time with clay, they gain control over their hand movements and begin to ...