Why should they keep drawing when they can do more? Many scholars today have never relented in researching on the significance and advantage of using clay in the growth of the child. Clay is used as a medium in the skill and growth of the child in many ways. If you want to nurture the growth of your child you must appreciate the important role clay plays. The modeling of clay is important in streamlining the creative ability in the brain such as holistic approach, image building, imagination, and hand-eye movement coordination. Research has also found out that when children play with clay in modeling things, their finger becomes stronger. To be artistic and creative, children within the ages of 3 and 6 years must develop proper hand movement. If they can do that, it will help in building their thumb and will enable them to hold object properly. Sculptors and painters have a stable and strong fingers and thumbs. Clay offer great experience for the child self-expression, sensory development, motor skills, pride, disciple, problem-solving skills, etc. While clay is great, drawing books provide another perfect opportunity. Nevertheless, the use of clay is more advantageous because of the following:
The use of clay helps in developing the muscles in the hand and fingers of the children. It also helps in their fine motor skills. Children pat, pinch, and shape objects according to what they see, this help in improving their sensory development.
Playing with clay aid the child by improving their hand and eye coordination. Molding the same object as that which is looked at requires patience and focus. With further practice, they become master at it and develop coordination.
Clay can help children learn. While being introduced to numbers and letters the best way for them is to form the same out of it. Not only would this further help them in writing but also it helps them in memorizing the same.
The use of clay is therapeutic. It help in relieving stress and produce a calming effect on them.
Clay helps children learn colors. As we all know by now that it is a great sensory learning experience. It can be helpful in introducing children to primary and secondary color. Later on complimentary and tertiary colorscan be introduced to by mixing two favorable colors.
FEW IMPORTANT TIPS
Insert clay in an airtight container
Ensure the clay are nontoxic to avoid health risks
If the clay get dried, soak in water and leave for sometime
Author’s Bio Long David in this article explores the importance of clay for kids as it helps them in developing various areas of their life such as motor skills, self-expression, and discipline.