Environmental Art Learning Experience3-5 years

Clay embossing

The learning experience focus:The focus of this activity will be to manipulate clay through embossing prints of natural items throughout the clay. This promotes creativity along with developing motor skills. Using nature as tools can expand their knowledge on shape and form. Children can explore for themselves and choose out items they would like to use.

Points to discuss with children:What does the clay feel like?What does clay do?Is clay wet or dry?What is the texture of the pinecone, leaf, rock, stick, bark, shell etc?

Learning Outcomes: Outcome One: Children have a strong sense of identity (DEEWR, 2009)Children develop a sense of agency and resilience by manipulating the clay. They use decision-making in what product they will use on the clay. Children are being open to new experiences and exploring them.

Outcome Two: Children are connected to and contributed to their world (DEEWR, 2009)Children grow respect for their environment by establishing what effect they can have on the clay. Embossing natural items onto clay can enrich their experience of nature. Children can appreciate nature and care for the environment.

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of well-being (DEEWR, 2009)Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well being. This is evident within this activity as they develop their fine motor skills to create their artwork. In this age group they begin to understand the importance

of health and well being, therefore using clay, children begin to understand to wash their hands thoroughly.

Amount of Children for this activity:This activity can be undertaken in small groups of 2-3 or individuals can explore for themselves.

Resources- Clay- Roller pin- Any products they find in the environment- Foil- Something to protect the table and clothing

The learning experience:-Teachers will need to prepare the clay by separating it equally for children to use.- Children can explore their area, or, they can take an excursion to their local park and collect items.- Children can manipulate the clay; they can flatten it or create a shape.-Children then can experiment with their items they collected to create a design or imprint on the clay

Relating to John Dahlsen:John Dahlsen explored the environment for items to use in his artwork. I incorporated this into the learning experience because it is important for children to understand the process, which in this case is collecting materials.