Over the last couple of months, we have noticed a real development in the children's 3D skills. As their fine motor skills improve, so does their confidence, which is wonderful! The range of sculptures that are appearing from nowhere, is remarkable.
We are all different and some of us prefer to 'follow a recipe' in order to create an object, while others prefer to follow their own creative instincts. Each approach is fine and we always cater for both.
Clay Work
Whether we are in the studio or the woods, clay is always available. With a name like ours, how could we not!
The older children had the option of learning how to make armatures. They came to understand that an armature is like a skeleton that provides support. An armature can be made from wire and also wood. Using a mannequin provided help with the correct proportions of making a wire figure. The children came to understand that our arms and hands stop at our mid thighs; that our feet are approximately the same length as our forearms; that a head fits into a torso approximately twice; that our outstretched arms are equal to the height of our bodies. Once complete, clay was moulded around the metal structure and the figure attached to a plinth.
Form was explored by moulding clay into a favourite animal. The difference between a matt and gloss finish and the changes a coat of varnish makes was also discovered. Slide along the images below to see the differences.
Texture was applied using a variety of tools and loose parts. In one case, the process was more important than the end result as the experiment ended up in the bin!
Rolling out slabs of clay and learning how to make coils, enabled children to create towers, containers and simple marbled shapes ….
Stoneware, earthenware and porcelain are three types of different clay that the children have been introduced to. Each type feels different and has it's own characteristics. Marbling clay together creates interest and variation.
Loose Parts
We always have a loose parts table. This provides the children with open ended exploration and investigation. It is also an introduction to simple design and technology skills such as joining and fastening.
A range of materials are provided and can include wire, cardboard, beads, buttons, straws, string, craft sticks and small pieces of bamboo. Assorted fastening and joining materials are explored and when necessary a glue gun is used by an adult but always under instruction from the child. Tap on the arrow below to view creations made by our amazingly creative children …
We seem to have a budding engineer in our midst. The young girl (13 years old) has spent the last 6 lessons designing and making a bridge out of found objects. The problem solving skills, concentration and sheer determination involved are truly admirable. The structure needs painting but we really wanted to share her progress ...
We just love the curiosity and ambition of all our children, no matter their age or experience.
We are really proud of their achievements … very well done EVERYODY!