Clay Beads

Children were observed sustaining concentration for longer periods and able to make choices. Already this term children have had the opportunity to make  playdough to take home and staff wanted to ensure they had further opportunities to explore other malleable materials.
In the workshop area the children were introduced to sculpting using clay: starting with knocking the clay down to get the air out of it. 
Children talked about how heavy the clay was, how cold and hard it felt.
Children started by rolling the clay into sphere-shaped beads of various sizes.
Next they threaded the beads onto sticks and left them to dry over a few days. 
Children returned to check on their beads regularly and observed the dark grey clay turn white as it dried.
Children selected paints (many metallic) and painted their beads, leaving them to dry again. 
Once the paint had dried, children returned and selected a pipe cleaner to thread their beads and fasten them on. 
Some children were very keen to mark make their own names.
During this process, children demonstrated great perseverance, concentration, an ability to make choices, independence and a sense of pride and joy in their acheivements.