Archive for November 9, 2012

Earlyarts Unconference

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jon williams from eastnor pottery shared some of his approaches to working with young childrenSo much inspiration, wonder and chatting with like-minded souls – exhausting!

There were plenty of highlights but if I had to name just one it would have to be the performance of ‘One small word’ by M6 Theatre Company. A sensitive,well observed portrayal of the ups & downs of child friendships…..and so much more –  Magical!

Thanks to Earlyarts, moonbeams3, and MACfor putting on a brilliant event….and thank you to the lovely people who attended my clay workshopon the Wednesday. Such creative making in so little time.

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The Potter’s smile

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baby makes a pot on a pottery wheelI dunno, the facebook generation – point a camara and look what happens!

2 seconds earlier this young potter was in the zone, concentrating on his potter’s wheel creation, exploring the clay.

I was working with 14 or so families at Badsey Village Hall on behalf of Apple Vale Children’s Centre. An exploritary session designed to give very young children a taste (sometimes quite literaly!) for clay.

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Positive Washwood

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young potter at work at washwood heath nursery school in birminghamSpent the day on the potter’s wheel at Washwood Heath Nursery School working with children as young as 14 months.

The Nursery School is so committed to exploring the benefits of working with clay that in addition to the ‘clay table’ available 24/7, they have purchased their very own potter’s wheel. A positive move inspiring an equally positive approach by one of their pupils:

‘R’ had made a lovely tall pot on the wheel which due to a ‘slight’ increase in finger pressure had sheared away in her hand. She calmly put the amputated section to the side and started to work the remaining clay. With a sparkle in her eye she exclaimed “Look, I can still do it!”

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Ledbury Primary School artist residency

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clay pizza made by a child at ledbury primary school in herefordshire12 weekly clay sessions in an early years setting right on my doorstep – how lucky am I?!

Headteacher Julie Rees asked if I could lead some pottery workshops in the Nursery @LPS with the specific aim of developing the children’s language and communication skills. The children’s parents and carers have also been invited to join in the fun.

Session #1 got off to a cracking start with the youngsters very excited to be using clay, most of them for the very first time.

Once the introductory potter’s wheel demo had come to an end and the wet pot well and truly passed around, the children initiated a clay pizza activity where they flattened the clay, added toppings (‘Scarecrow’ and ‘X’ marks the spot’ being the most creative flavours) and then popped them in the oven (underneath a chair) for all of 10 seconds!

Looking forward to next week already.

Posted in children, early years, schools tagged with , , , ,
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