Nature Habitats in Clay

By: Julie Goldstein

This week up in The Studio, we sculpted with clay and learned all about objects in nature and their habitats. The children went out into The Glenn and found leaves, sticks, small rocks, bark, and flowers. We talked about how leaves come from trees,  and rocks and clay come from the earth. Then we sculpted with our clay to create a habitat for all our found objects. The children had fun describing the places that they created such as islands, forests, mountains, and the ocean. This is such a fun and easy project that develops fine motor skills, creative problem solving, and stimulates their imagination.

Materials

• Natural found objects
• Air Dry Clay
• Small container or plastic bag
• Paper plate

Instruction

1. Introduction
   “Who is ready to go on an adventure?”
   “Today we are going to find objects in nature. What is an example of a small object that lives in nature?” Rocks, sticks, leaves
2. Go on a walk outside and collect small items from the ground, use a small baggie or cup.
3. Head back to the work table after all of the children filled their bag with objects.
4. “What kind of objects did you find?” “Where do you think the leaves come from? Where does bark, rocks, flowers come from? Where these objects live is also called a “Habitat.” Today we are going to create a habitat or home for all of our objects.
5. Introduce Clay. Show them how to roll, poke and change the clay.
6. Demonstrate a variety of ways to create a habitat for the objects.
7. Pass out the small clay ball to each child and let them go at it!
8. After the children finish their sculptures, pass out one sheet of drawing paper and a pencil (crayons or oil pastels are optional) and have the children create an observation drawing of their sculptures.
9. HAVE FUN CREATING!