Values Of Clay Relates particularly to Te Whariki strand 5 - Exploration (Click here to find out more about Te Whariki) Develops sense of touch, exploration and experimentation with texture Encourages molding and manipulation of a plastic material Aids eye-hand coordination Promotes expression of feelings and release of tensions Aids language development and forming of friendships Develops concepts of the Earth Teaches that clay has limits Promotes representation of 3-dimensional objects which later can be made permanent by baking or firing   Ideas For Clay Mould and shape Introduce other natural materials e.g. shells, pinecones, seed heads Work with water Introduce junk material e.g. rope, lids, boxes Leave a block of dry clay to hammer and chisel Use discs of clay for patterning Cut tiles and pattern using natural materials Dig clay from a bank Visit a potter Pound and cut a huge block of clay Squelch sticky clay with hands and feet Vary the work surface e.g. Hessian, corrugated cardboard