Clay is the most amazing tool for helping develop children's fine motor skills.
It is also very calming and helps children learn that it is OK to make mistakes because with clay, with a pinch or a bit of water, you can change your creation. Each piece is individual just like the children. Clay is all about the process not the end product. You can use it by itself or with natural loose parts. You can use it as a visual art activity or as part of science exploration or link it to a story the children are reading. The possibilities are endless.
These are the fine motor skills children and Kate can learn through playing with clay:
Rolling - this is good for forearm strength and core strength
Pounding with fists - this is good for grip strength
Pinching - this is good for finger strength and pincer grip
The three movements listed here done with clay can lead to a child being able to write well when they get older. How good is that?!
To set up a great clay experience try this:
Put a calico sheet on a table (clay doesn't stick to calico and the children can learn to rub their hands on the calico to clean them)
Set up 4 - 6 places around the table to encourage a small group of children to come play
Put a lump of clay at each place
Put a little bowl or jar of water at each place (this helps loosen and smooth out the clay)
In the middle of the table put something that could inspire the children (this is called a provocation) - maybe a photo of some clay pots or other clay art. Even better put some real clay pots or bowls out
In the middle of the table put some natural loose parts like sticks, acorns or bark which the children might use as tools or decorations
And the most important thing - sit down and play with the clay with the children and talk to them. Explain how to roll, pound and pinch. Show the children how you do it. They will follow.
Have fun!
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