Playing with playdough is probably one of the most fun things to do in an early childhood classroom. The squishy feel, the often bright colours, and variety of tools to use present endless opportunities for children (and adults!) to create and sculpt imaginative things. This week’s art word is texture, which according to Shirrmacher and Fox (2009) is ”the surface quality of a work of art” (p. 144). Playdough has that soft, smooth feeling that is so pleasing to squish between your hands. It can also become gritty, when salt or sand is added to it, which dramatically changes the texture.
Sculpting is an art form that requires a lot of dexterity and attention to detail. It is amazing what someone can make out of a lump of marble, soap or clay. They can turn it into a masterpiece that is just simply astonishing. Children are capable of creating so many different and unique pieces of art that are often expressions of what they are thinking or feeling. Honigman and Bhavnagri (1998) outlined the amount of discovery that was occurring during the children’s own exhibition of “Painting with Scissors”, and how significant it is to their broadening their thinking. The point brought up here demonstrates how important art activities are to children’s overall development.
Art Activity: Sculpt Yourself!
Step 1: Use playdough or modeling clay, whichever you prefer. I like playdough because it is softer and generally easy for young children to manipulate
Step 2: Using whatever tools you like (your hands are the best!), sculpt the way you see yourself. You can sculpt just your face or your entire body! This will be an interesting challenge for children, since they are still developing their self-concept. Adults would also benefit from this, since their view of themselves could differ from the way other people view them.
Step 3: Add decorations! Use string for hair, sequins for eyes etc. Add playdough/clay arms, legs, be creative! Do not limit anyone by strictly outlining what to use and what not to use. Encourage children, and even adults to sculpt other things related to their life.
Step 4: Encourage the children, and even adults to use their self-created sculptures to act out imaginative scenes, such as going to the movies or gardening outside. The possibilities are endless!
EDUCATORS
This is a great sensory activity for children and adults alike. Not only will they have the chance to squish playdough/clay between their fingers, they will also be able to see themselves in a new view. Acting out imaginative scenes will add to the process of discovering new things about themselves. As an educator, having sensory materials such as playdough or clay allows for creative manipulation by then artistic hands of children.
Honigman, J. J., & Bhavnagri, N. P. (1998). Painting with scissors: Art education beyond production. Childhood Education, 74(4), 205-212.)
Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children (6th Ed.).
Belmont, CA: Delmar.
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