Pinching, poking, prodding, tearing, rolling, coiling, flattening, smoothing, sculpting, carving, wedging, modeling, decorating, etching, slip, glazing, firing, kiln. Clay gives young children rich vocabulary words as well as valuable art and motor skills. Clay also connects them to an important natural resource that has been used by human beings for thousands of years. Why are teachers afraid of clay? Lack of knowledge and experience? Children deserve this rich source of curriculum to explore all aspects of form and shape.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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