Natural Clay Pyramids!

As we delve into our Passover Unit, many skill building opportunities are being infused into the learning.

One morning set up activity trays with a triangle frame- made from wooden pop sticks- along with a mound of clay!

"I wonder how we can create pyramids with this type of clay?" I asked the children as they approached the activity table.

 The results were wonderful...

 

 

 The younger children worked on strengthening their fine motor skills, as they used tools to remove pieces of clay from the "mound" and simply "fill" the triangle.

We placed pictures of real pyramids on the table for the children to gain understanding of what a pyramid is.

 Some children created little bricks with the clay, to fill the triangle frame with.

 As the older children worked with the clay, some discovered the ability to make it three dimensional, by building it upwards!

Rachel wanted the top of the pyramid to be  really pointed! So she asked me for an extra stick to place at the top!

 

Each child created his/her own masterpiece...

Benefits of working with natural clay.


Every child needs experiences that match his or her developmental level, and a simple piece of soft clay is a perfect match if the child is ready. 

Children that are old enough to squeeze your finger can squeeze a piece of soft clay. If they can notice a change in the clay, they are learning that their actions have consequences.  

This is empowerment.

It encourages more experimentation.

The child’s brain is taking shape along with the clay. 

Such self-initiated activity can be the perfect match for the developmental needs of the child.  Clay stimulates the child’s curiosity. Intelligence, imagination, and creativity are engaged and fostered.  Many new neurons and synapses in the brain are being generated when a child is engaged by the immediate tactile and visual feedback provided by clay.

Manipulating a piece of clay develops the child’s large and small muscles. Clay play fosters eye-hand coordination.  Soft clay is receptive and responsive to all kinds of emotional expression. 

Clay is so fascinating that some children work for long periods without any adult motivation to maintain their interest. It can be a great way to extend the attention span of some children