Clay Play Clay Modeling For Kids

Clay is a substance that can be molded into an endless number of forms. Humans have been making objects out of clay for ages - pots, plates, bowls, and sculptures and so on.

Clay modeling for kids                                        

Put clay or play dough into the hands of kids and see how it stimulates their imagination and creativity. Watch as they enjoy the texture and doughy consistency of the clay and try to mold it into interesting shapes.

Clay modeling is an activity that is therapeutically beneficial to kids in many ways. One important benefit of clay modeling is the role it plays in early childhood education. Read on to learn how you can use clay craft to enhance your child's learning and creativity.

BENEFITS:

1. Improves hand-eye coordination skills

Hand-eye coordination is a neurological process where the visual input provided by the eye is used to guide the hands in performing a task. For example, catching a ball, writing, pouring water into a glass, etc., all need hand-eye coordination. Moreover, having good hand-eye coordination can improve your child's agility, athleticism and handwriting. Using clay during playtime will also help her engage the muscles in her hands.

2. Encourages trial and error

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in the process of learning something new. Sometimes, these mistakes can be discouraging, especially if they are hard to erase. But, when it comes to working with a lump of clay, your child can easily correct the mistakes. It's easier for your child to learn and keep trying new things when he knows that clay modeling mistakes don't have to be permanent.

3. Develops fine motor skills

These skills involve the development of the muscles in the hands and fingers. While similar to hand-eye coordination skills, fine motor skills differ as they do not necessarily require the involvement of our eyes. For example, typing can be a fine motor skill, without being a hand-eye coordination skill when practiced by a skilled typist.

4. Teaches creativity

Being creative is an attribute that is highly valued today. Using clay can allow your child to apply creativity in molding different clay objects as per his desire. And, since one advantage of clay is its versatility, your child can explore making many different objects through clay modeling with even a small amount of clay.

5. Encourages play-based learning

Play-based learning centers on guided play. In such play, children are still in charge and spontaneous, as they would be in free play. However, parents/educators also actively participate by curating the environment in such a way that the child can learn the intended lesson. This type of learning also comes under the umbrella of activity-based learning.