CLAY

Children's clay is a special type of clay designed for children to play and be creative with. It is child-friendly, made from non-toxic materials, and is safe for children to work with. It is a soft, malleable substance that is easy to shape and is often used to make different shapes and figures.

Like adult clay, children's clay is usually plastic, meaning it is easy to shape. Some types are air-drying, meaning they harden over time without baking in an oven. Others need to be baked in an oven to harden.

Children's clay comes in different colours and can be mixed to create new colours. It is a great way to stimulate their imagination and develop their artistic skills.

Educational benefits

Kneading, rolling and shaping helps develop children’s fine motor skills. This helps refine their hand-eye coordination and strengthens the muscles in their hands and fingers. Sharing playdough and making creations together can be a great way for children to develop social skills such as cooperation, communication and sharing.

Children's clay stimulates children's imagination and creativity. By being able to experiment freely with shapes and textures, children can create unique creations and develop their artistic skills.

Concentration

Working with clay requires concentration and attention to detail. Children need to focus on shaping the clay and creating their desired design, which can improve their ability to concentrate. Also, playing with clay can have a calming effect and can help reduce stress or anxiety in children. It is a relaxing activity that can help them express themselves and unwind from a stressful day, for example.

Problem solving thinking

While playing with clay, children can encounter different challenges, such as creating difficult structures or repairing broken pieces. This can help develop and improve their problem-solving and spatial insight.

Using clay is a great way to stimulate children’s imaginations, help them develop artistic skills and have fun at the same time. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging regarding baking or drying, and to supervise younger children to ensure safe use.