Since clay is a new material for some West Wing children, we want them to understand the properties of clay and to have an opportunity to explore it in an open-ended way. As teachers, our goal is that the children will understand the techniques that are used when working with clay and how the use of proper tools can add to the success of representing their ideas. We also feel that first experiences, when in small groups offer the children time to dialogue, compare and test their theories.
The first tool we introduce is our hands.
“How are you going to use these tools?”
scratch
“It’s so big. I have to scratch the clay” – Genevieve
As they discover new ways to use these tools, we begin to form a vocabulary to describe the technique.
pinch pull squeeze roll stack throw stick bang punch slap
Sienna began to pull clay off and stack it.
“I want to stack it up to the ceiling.” -Sienna
Xavier was listening and observing her. He proceeded to try her technique.
“I make it stick and it get taller and taller and taller. All the way up to the ceiling!” -Xavier
