Clay

Clay is a natural material that offers a wide range of possibilities in early childhood education. Wet clay can be a wonderful sensory experience for babies. Toddlers and preschool children may prefer sculpting with clay than playdough because of its texture and permanence.

Clay is often used within Reggio Emilia teachings and project work. Clay is a responsive, earthy, silky material that can be combined with loose parts. Children can gain a deeper understanding of a subject by moulding it out of clay.

The educational benefits of clay include sensory awareness.

EYLF learning outcomes

Clay aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework as it is a material (4.4).

Learning experiences

Make things from clay

Children can use clay to make animals, beads, flowers, leaves, mythical creatures, or the moon. Clay is used to make coil pots and pinch pots.

Educator-child interactions

Build vocabulary

Early childhood educators can support children to improve their vocabulary by using descriptive words. Is your clay brown, dry, earthy, heavy or wet?