First Years Last Forever
  
by the Shelton School Readiness Council

Playing with clay builds your child's creativity. It also strengthens hand muscles for every

day tasks like zipping jackets and writing.  Here is how to make the most of your child's  

1.  Let your child get used to the clay by playing with it.  He or she can knead, squeeze

2.  Ask your child what he or she likes to make.  If he or she is not sure how to start, 

     offer suggestions.  For example, he or she can roll clay into balls between his or her

     palms to make an animal's head and body.  Or he or she might flatten clay with his or 

     her fingers to form the walls of a house.

3.  Encourage your child to add details to his or her sculptures.  Provide tools (toothpicks,

     plastic knives) and decorations (sequins, buttons).