What is it? - Chocolate? Candy? Clay?!
Before a formal study at the Discovery Table, we frequently begin with a period of experimentation. Children did indeed squeeze, grip, grab, pinch, poke, roll, press, lift, and play with the clay.
Some enjoyed the sheer sensory experience of squeezing and ripping something that does not easily yield.
Others tried to lift the whole lump.
Some enjoyed rolling the clay in their hands.
Others immediately turned to modeling figures.
Clay is also a marvelous medium for increasing fine-motor hand strength and dexterity. Some discovered that the heel of the hand -- with the added power from the arm -- was very effective.
Trying to pull a piece off the lump took several attempts, and working the small pieces back into the lump before washing up was an activity in itself!
What can your child tell you about clay?
