Year 4 are learning about historic pottery techniques in their art lessons, therefore in their Forest School session they were encouraged to enjoy some play with clay. Building confidence in how to manipulate the material takes time, but they quickly began to master some different techniques. Their first challenge; to make any creature, real or fantastical. We talked about keeping the design simple at first, just as they would have done when humans first began using clay. Then they were shown how they could use natural materials to create decoration and detail. Pressing into the clay, scratching and poking to create patterns and texture.
Once they’d created a creature, they were shown the art of coiling, then had a go themselves. It was a very creative morning and they produced some really lovely work. At the end of the session all the clay goes back in the bag. Teaching children the joy of creation but also the art of letting go. Transient art can be a real confidence booster and helps to children to be less concerned about what they deem to be mistakes.
Principle 3: Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Article 28 – We all have a right to a good quality education.
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- Relatively smooth forms starting to take shape.
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- Deep in concentration.
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- Imagine finding this fantastical creature!
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- Then we introduced tools.
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- Now texture and detail can be added.
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- The children were so proud of their creations.
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- Now the coiling begins.
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- A snake slithering up a tree stump.
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- A beast collapsed in a pond!
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- Snake on a stick anyone?
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- Great success.
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- A hen and her chicks in their nest.
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- Adding handles.
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- Who wins the trophy?
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- A chick and her eggs.
