Last week in the Burrow the children were introduced to clay. We explored what it felt like, smelt like and more importantly how we could make role play marshmallows with it! After seeing the children so engaged and intrigued by the clay I made this week all about the grey sticky and malleable material.

Firstly I showed the children what I could make, roll modelling how to bring ideas to life and how I needed to use my hands and my fingers. I made a snowman, a penguin, a hedgehog and more ideas the children thought of. I then told the children that they could make something from their clay and allowed them to go and forage through the upper paddock to see what they could find. Maybe they wanted a few sticks, a pinecone or a leaf? It was completely up to them and their imaginations.

Once they arrived back (some children took a little longer to find the perfect items) we sat down by some wooden plaques. Here we saw the Burrowers mould their clay to whatever their heart desired. Just like adults children vary in their creativity and imaginations. I feel I struggle to be artistic, and as an adult I still draw stickmen rather than 3D people! On the other hand Nic is very creative so often does all the displays and drawings in the Burrow. It was great to see what different ideas the children would come up with and how they were able to describe their creations.

Throughout the week we saw cars, snowmen, hedgehogs, boats, worms and balls made by the children. All they needed was a facilitation from us, whether this was to help mould something or to find some little sticks for arms.

One little boy with no help or guidance from an adult made a car. He placed a stick on the plaque and rolled some clay into a wheel shape. He then placed it at each end of the stick. “I made car” he told me with a big grin on his face.

Next week we will be touching base with clay again to explore its endless creative possibilities. Let us know what you have made or would like to make with your clay. ☺

Thanks for reading!

Lauren