Clay play is a multi-sensory hobby: touch, sight, smell—and even sound. Is it slimy or dry? What does it sound like when you squeeze it? Children can strengthen sensory skills as they learn to manipulate the material into different objects and shapes.
It also helps improve eye/hand coordination and build both gross and fine motor skills, including the small muscles in hands and fingers. This helps with dexterity and is beneficial for children colouring, cutting and writing in a school setting.
Clay play can be a very invigorating, yet soothing activity. Working the clay is a positive way to express emotions, a good stress-reliever and, since it’s generally an unhurried activity, also a calming pastime for kids.
It’s so different from other mediums, like drawing, that children are naturally drawn to experiment with this fun material. And because clay is so adaptable, mistakes can usually be repaired so kids don’t feel frustrated. In fact, clay can be so engaging they may play for long periods of time without any adult involvement!
Many toys are developed for imaginary play, but not many let children dream up and create something entirely new. Clay stimulates curiosity, motivates them to problem-solve as they work on their project, and ultimately leads them to craft unique three-dimensional art. That’s pretty cool.
The best part? Children can make something out of nothing. The bowl may not be perfectly round or the truck may not look much like a truck, but they made it. Kids not only feel proud of what they brought to life, but also a sense of accomplishment.
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