Clay Play at Chanukah time in KDH

Clay is a medium that is always available in the art center. The importance of children working with clay cannot be overstated. It supports sensory development, fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, creative expression, motor planning and emotional development. Take a piece of clay, spray some water on it. Pinch, pull, roll out, and squeeze some more! It is soothing and empowering for young and old alike.

We've been talking about the amphora, the clay jug, in the Chanukah story, in which the the pure olive oil used to light the Menorah in the Beit Hamikdash, was stored.  Imagine our delight when Henia and Pearl brought in two small jugs to show their classmates. Perfect provocations for clay play.

We often begin clay play by kneading the clay to make it just right for working with. We don't want it too hard to manipulate or so soft that it cannot hold its shape. Then we usually make balls. Using our thumbs we begin to shape the clay. Holding the clay with one hand and squeezing and pulling, we continue to work the clay. If we are not satisfied, we can always start over by kneading int back into a ball.
Pinching, pushing and pulling, we shape the clay..... It is beginning to look like a jug?
Make a cover and handles....
Set out to dry.......

Morah Ruth
Morah Sara
The artisans of KDH