Clay Modelling Handicraft -

A manual of Clay-Modelling review

If anyone knows me, they 100% understand I do not have an artistic bone in my body. Yes, I can dream and think of ideas, but when it comes to implementing…well, that’s why I married a handyman and artist. 😂 But should I let that limit me when educating my children? Definitely not. Offering a broad feast of subjects has little to with ability, but rather more to do about a willingness to be a life-long learner. And so I learn things out of my comfort zone, multiple times a week, especially when I decided to offer clay modelling as a handicraft this term.

Why handicrafts? Handicrafts teach so many life-skills, depending on the craft. They allow the exercise of every learning style, stretching a person’s motor and intellectual skills. In Form I, handicrafts are on the morning schedule four times a week! That was because Miss Mason knew the importance of teaching skills well, before expecting our children to carry them on in later forms on their own. They will only be successfully implemented independently by our students if taught a variety of crafts before independence is given.

Clay modelling is no different. It is one of the many handicrafts recommended by Charlotte Mason and my children LOVE working with it. What student wouldn’t? You get to get messy, create, and learn all at the same time. In A Manual of Clay-Modelling, Hermoine Unwin gives an uncontested list of why clay-modelling is chief among all early-learning handicrafts. On page 4 she states:

The principle powers which the practice of clay-modelling develop are:-

Observation
Accuracy, especially in the perception of form.
Dexterity of hand.
Sense of form and proportion.
Greater power in drawing.
Love and appreciation of the beautiful in form.
Enjoyment of the creative power in oneself.
Perseverance and patience.
Concentration of the attention.

As you can see, there is much to be appreciated and loved about this art form. So, break out of your comfort zone, or remember a long-forgotten skill you had in school, and dive into the world of clay modelling with your kiddos! Watch the video below to learn more about A Manual of Clay-Modelling and how to utilize this amazing clay modelling handicraft resource!