Baking Clay

During the children's recent interest Arctic animals, we offered them the opportunity to sculpt with baking clay.

 

Baking clay is an easy medium for the children to create...

and delivers a powerful learning through play punch!

Children help to measure and mix ingredients. Dry and liquid ingredients change properties and textures. Once made, the children create and sculpt. They show us their thinking and their interests.

They may use books, ideas, imagination. They may add in other materials.

This time, the children sculpted as they looked at images of Arctic animals.

The sculptures were placed on a baking sheet and put in the oven. Once dried and cooled, they were offered paint and small brushes.

A glass vase for cleaning the brushes was an interesting alternative.

Working in a small group offers the children an opportunity for discussion, conversation, observing each others techniques and ideas.

Alivia begins work on her snowy owl and chooses her colours as she looks back and forth at the picture she followed while she was sculpting.

Small details take time, patience and a steady hand.

 

Small muscles and dexterity are key to such an activity.

 

Once finished, the children labeled their masterpieces. 

Another great activity in the wonderful world of kindergarten!

Baking Clay Recipe

2 cups flour

1 cup salt   

1 cup water

Mix

Bake at 300 F for about 1 hour or until dry. Let cool.

*This clay can also be left out in the open to dry. If using loose materials be sure that they are able to be put in the oven...alternatively, set the sculpture out to dry overnight. The thicker the piece, the more drying time will be required.