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Like Chocolate Cake!

December 9, 2020 | Clara Buckley

What is this?

Chocolate? A square? Brown like poop? Cork?

… clay (because Ms Buckley told me)

Before a formal study we frequently begin with a period of experimentation. Children did indeed squeeze, grip, grab, pinch, poke, roll, press, lift, and play with the clay. Clay is a marvelous medium for increasing fine-motor hand strength and dexterity.

The clay block felt hard when pushing with our whole hands.

But when using our pinch we could pull off smaller pieces.

Some enjoyed the sheer sensory experience. 

Others tried to lift the whole lump.

Some discovered how to roll the clay with their hands.

Sometimes the clay required a little extra pressure.

Working the small pieces back into the lump was an activity in itself!

Clara Buckley

Preschool Art Specialist; Middle School Art

Clara Buckley’s teaching spans the ages of Mustard Seed School, from the youngest students in the preschool to students in the graduating class. She’s found many similarities between teaching three-year-olds and thirteen-year-olds!

As an art teacher who never enjoyed drawing, Ms Buckley’s hope is that each child she teaches discovers a way to create art that they enjoy, whether it be sculpture, printing, textiles, architectural drawing, or collage.

Ms. Buckley loves living in Jersey City, a place whose diversity and welcome for immigrants reflects her own family experience. When planning future travel destinations, art, food, and time with family are featured items on her list.

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