snakes in the making!

Ever since our reptile show, we have been hooked on snakes!  We have been making such wonderful things out of play dough, that we want to keep our creations permanent........sooooooo

we are using real clay to make snakes, and one "monster" ;0) 

Jack wants to make a monster instead of a snake! ;0)

Clay, like water and sand, has a natural appeal. Children enjoy working with

these basic mediums because there is no separation between them and their work.


Having direct contact with the clay allows for a completely different experience.


This provides a good break from using markers, crayons, paint brushes, or other


tools. A line with a crayon is unchangeable, however a long coil of clay can


become a snake, then a bowl, then a snowman. The possibilities are endless


and children enjoy this freedom to transform their creations.


Working with the clay becomes a whole body experience and encourages both


large and fine motor development. Children pound, pinch, roll, flatten, poke, tear,


squeeze, coil, stretch, squash, twist, and bend their clay into all sorts of shapes


and sizes. When children stand to do these tasks, they engage their whole bodies.


Working with clay, children learn the subtle ways to manipulate clay to create


what they want.


Working with clay is also a multi-sensory activity. Clay can feel slimy and wet


or it can be hard and dry. Different clays have different smells and colors.


Children hear two unique sounds when they squeeze wet clay though their fingers


and when they pound the clay onto the table. As children learn to pick up on all


of these subtleties they are strengthening their sensory skills.