Clay is a fantastic material for early childhood exploration. In their article, "Clay Play," [Young Children, May 2009] teachers Liz Rogers and Dana Steffan point out that playing with clay allows children to "touch nature." Unlike playdough, clay warms to the touch and can change texture as it is molded, encouraging children's imaginations to be just as flexible.

To celebrate nature, children can create a sculpture using clay, twigs, flowers, leaves, and other items gathered outdoors. Since clay will be a new material to most children, they will need time to explore its texture. After children have had the chance to feel the clay slipping between their fingers and have molded, balled, and shaped the clay, they can use natural objects to create a one of a kind three-dimensional piece of art.

Sensory Art Lesson Supplies

For this project you will need clay (preferably natural sculpting clay) and a collection of seasonal natural objects, sorted into separate baskets:

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