Modelling Clay

Online Competitions by Inspired Parenting Tips

Modelling Clay

by Georgie
(Seatle, Washington)

Art Activity For Children: Modelling Clay

My daughter loves using modeling clay, and we try to keep her well supplied!

We have tried all sorts, such as Fimo and Sculpty, which are just too hard for her little hands. I have to soften them for her before she can use them. They also require baking to have a permanent item.

We've also bought artist's clay for her which she loved, but we didn't have any way to fire her creations, and it needed to be used outside really because of the mess. So we looked for an alternative that could be used inside easily and the one we like the best is the
Crayola Model Magic Modeling Compound, which dries hard overnight so you don't have to bake it.

We get the big tubs which have assorted pouches of the clay inside. Sometimes we get just white or a tub of neutral colors, because they can be decorated afterward by painting or using felt pens etc. But the colored packs are fun too, as you can mix them and create wonderful marble effects or use different colors to represent different parts of something.

The only disadvantage, is it starts to dry out after a little while, although you can dampen it to take it back to it's original consistency. Be warned, you can't leave the finished items outside, even when dry, they are not waterproof.

She loves getting her hands into the clay, and would much rather do an art activity like this, than say painting. I think because she is quite a tactile child.

She has made all sorts of things from little pots or bowls, jewelry, such as badges and beads, wall plaques, photo frames, a wind chime - but that doesn't tinkle like a ceramic pottery one would. The Crayola clay dries almost a bit rubbery, so it doesn't have a nice tinkle!

She is going to start a pottery class with a local potter, which will give her a much wider experience of using clay, and a potters wheel.

Maybe we have a budding ceramic artist on our hands!

Click here to post comments.

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Art Activities For Children.

Annie Recommends

There is so much confusing information out there about parenting, it can be hard to know how to cover all bases.

If you are worried about your child's development in some areas, or want some ongoing expert parenting tips, then check out Dr Rosina's Inspired Children - Life Skills for Kids.

She has a carefully designed membership program that will give you activities and advice, delivered to your inbox each week/fortnight (depending upon membership level).

Each activity is designed to help your child develop key life skills like good self esteem, managing emotions and behaviour, health, nutrition, dealing with bullying and so much more.

Life Skills For Kids

Benefits for Parents

Stop feeling guilty about not spending time with your child
Know your child is learning key life skills
Stop worrying
Know rather than hope that your child is on the right track
Curbs undesirable attention seeking behaviours in your child
Know that your time is quality time doing the activities with your child
Educational as well as fun
Sense of satisfaction at the positive difference you are making in your child?s life
Creates an opportunity for you to bond with your child

Benefits for Children

Creates a strong platform for a happy, balanced and successful life
Helps them to know you are interested and care
Develops self confidence
Develops resilience
Develops independence and practical life skills
Improves their ability to communicate
Develops emotional intelligence
Helps them to feel happier and most importantly, helps them to feel more loved!
Educational and fun

Dr. Rosina McAlpine is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, and has received numerous awards for her work in education. Her program is a holistic approach to child development spanning 7 key areas of life.

I think this is a great resource for busy Moms - it takes ages sifting and sorting what your child needs, or finding a great activity that has a good learning focus for your kids. It covers all bases, and makes it easy to spend quality time with your kids, knowing they are learning valuable skills that will be with them for life. Life Skills For Kids would also make a great resource for homes-schoolers.

Life Skills For Kids

Featured Sponsor

ClickN KIDS Teaching KIDS to READ and SPELL One Click at a Time

Click N Kids would have to be one of my subscribers most popular programs, and from what they say, it is mostly because the kids have fun while they are learning. In fact they don't even realize they are learning! Click N kids are using the Looney Tune Characters now in their phonics program, which of course kids just love.