AWS seeks to provide a space where children can, at least for a little while, put aesthetics and creative pursuit or practical craft at the centre of their lives.
Esteem and Expression
Clay is a unique art medium because it is highly responsive to touch and very forgiving. As soon as children are given clay, they immediately begin to mold and shape it. They become aware that they are in charge and have influence over the medium as it is quick to respond to their fingers. The feeling that they are in command of the clay gives the students the confidence to attempt any project which opens the door to greater self expression and imagination. Clay also allows a child to learn to repair mistakes and therefore not be afraid to make them. Making mistakes is essential for self improvement but can be difficult and even an obstacle for some children.
Problem Solving
Clay is different from other art mediums in that it requires an understanding of the three dimensional world. In our programs, we often encourage the children to work on spinning decorating wheels or to get up from their seats and walk to the other side of the table so they can see their creation from all sides. They begin to understand shape, form, and perspective, and therefore get a first lesson in geometry. The child learns to really look and see the world around them and discovers their place in that world. They gain knowledge of planning methods and problem solving as they map out their three dimensional project.
Discipline "While there are rules and procedures that need to be followed when working with clay children are very good about understanding guidelines and respecting procedures. Through this understanding they learn something that is very important: discipline yields success. and the children grasp the concepts easily learning basic physics. The most important rule is "slipping and scoring." .
Pride and Self Worth
At AWS Pottery, we all teach ceramics with the philosophy that the process is more important than the product. I place emphasis on the discovery and joy of creating, however, there is an excitement for children as they make their mug or pencil holder and announce that it's for their grandmother's coffee or for their dad's desk.