Students will learn how to express themselves creatively through manipulating colorful clay as a sensory activity. Sensory play in early childhood development helps to develop a child's large and small muscles while improving dexterity. Modeling clay helps to strengthen eye/hand coordination and increase focus in a child, helping to build their attention span. Students will learn how to put together various different clay shapes to create pre-selected objects for that class. Color theory can also be taught as well and how to mix different colors to create a specific color they desire. Most of all we'll discuss "decision making" and "problem solving" when using our creativity in making personal preferences or correcting a problem. Working with clay can teach perseverance or how to cope and follow through even when things don't turn out the way you had planned. You can re-group, keep moving and create something amazing!

I am an Enrichment Program Director with my own 501c3 and LLC and a SEL Art Instructor with local after school and summer camp agencies. I regularly work with children using various art mediums and art related curriculum to teach (SEL) Social Emotional Learning competencies and 21st Century Life Skills. Art can also be very therapeutic and relaxing and helps to ease tensions or frustrations that a child may not otherwise be able to articulate. I have over 30 years experience working with youth and teens and have studied both Art Theory/History, Bachelors level Interior Design, I have my Bachelors in Organizational Leadership and I'm a Master's candidate for my MA in SEL (10/2023). As an educator, I love to see children excited over their own exploration and self discovery. I've seen children say they couldn't do this or couldn't do that, and with some patient coaching achieve incredible things!

Homework Offered
Assessments Offered
My assessments (informal) will be in their ability to focus and pay attention in class, offer constructive critiques to peers and following my instructions. I want the children to feel free to make mistakes and learn from them. 

Sensory development by working with air dry clay will help your child to have self esteem, be disciplined and problem solve for themselves. I would like to help them find their confidence and take pride in what the create in my class. Art expression allows us to create what's pleasing to ourselves.
Grades Offered