Pinch Pots...PLUS!

Two figures and an island, drying before bisque firing.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
After working the clay to a satisfactory softness, we set to work on our first ceramic project - PINCH POTS!

The process involves three steps, all challenging to a four-year old, yet especially rewarding when completed:

1. Roll clay into a ball.
2. Poke your finger or thumb into the middle, almost all the way.
3. Pinch and turn.
   
4. Repeat Step 3 until you get it the way you want it to be.
5. When you totally wreck it by missing any of the italicized terms in steps 1-4, repeat Steps 1-4.

...and they sure did. In fact, they seemed to enjoy pushing the limits of the medium, most likely because prior to each restart, they got to SLAM! the clay on the table (wedging) to get all the air bubbles out.*

*The presence of air bubbles in the clay when firing usually results in the piece exploding in the kiln - a "WOW! COOL!" concept that seems equally rewarding to them as having an object to glaze.

As illustrated in the top and bottom photos, many were compelled to create further items on their own with remaining clay.

Clara attached a bajillion-carat jewel to her ring.

Next up: Firing

Clay!

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Today we began the messy, wonderful business of ceramics. This isn't some sweet little keepsake made in a half hour at Terra Mia. Rather, we begin with raw clay and carry it all the way through to a functional item, beautifully glazed to the creator's specifications. Here's what we did so far:

The raw clay we procured was old (yes, arguably all clay is old). By this, I mean it was too old and stiff for the muscles in our little hands to manipulate it. What to do?

We began by sealing a few ounces of water in a plastic bag with the clay and repeatedly dropped, tossed, punched and pounded the parcel until able to cut into it. Still, these relatively thin slices were too firm to form. Imagine lifting something half your weight and intentionally dropping it several times on the floor to consider the deep sensory pressure they sought. When it came time to work the clay, they were calmly energized and focused.

So we overlapped them on trays and twisted, pounded poked and rubbed them together with wet hands, constantly adding a few drops at a time. Still too firm.

We persevere, working it all together when Bella and Gregory make a discovery - when you "claw and drag" the top layer of clay, that which separates into your hands is the perfect soft consistency for ceramic work. A few cups of water, drops at a time, coupled with an hour of deep hand muscle work, yielded enough soft clay for our class project.

One added bonus of all this (literally) manual labor is the development of motor strength and fine motor feel that will benefit the next stage.

Next: Pinch Pots!

Butterflies!

Those color mixing experiments metamorphasized into butterflies!

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Today, both groups made playdough with Sonya. Each child added his/her ingredient and noted the change that took place as it was mixed in. The best part, of course, was playing with it while it was still HOT!

TODAY'S STORY
At the first annual "states party," Virginia and Idaho hatch a plan to swap spots so each can see another part of the country. Before the party is over, all the states decide to switch places. In the beginning, every state is happy in its new location. But soon things start to go wrong. Florida, who switches spots with Minnesota, is freezing in the frosty northern climate, and Minnesota hasn't brought sunscreen and is getting an awful sunburn. Will the states ever unscramble themselves and return to their proper places? The motto: There's no place like home.

Our class, even with their limited knowledge of geography, were amused by the joking and bickering among the states which were very familiar to them.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
Dying giant coffee filters with water colors and eye droppers. Eye droppers are one of many terrific tools for developing fine motor control, delivering measured drops of color to specific areas. The children marveled at the migration of color as it spread throughout the material, often overlapping and forming new, unexpected color changes.

TODAY'S STORY
Listen, Buddy! by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. A hilarious romp about a bunny who just can't seem to listen. He is constantly confusing instructions. For example, when his parents ask for a slice of bread, he saws off a piece of his bed. But everything changes when he takes a wrong turn and meets up with Scruffy Varmint.