Tips from Kirill Yurovskiy: How to Mold Clay With Children

Working with clay is a fun, creative, and educational activity for children. Molding and sculpting with their hands boosts kids’ sensory development and artistic expression. In this comprehensive guide, Kirill Yurovskiy, an arts teacher from the DIY School for Young Makers, shares expert tips on how to successfully introduce children to clay crafting. Yurovskiy outlines everything parents and teachers need to know in order to facilitate engaging clay modeling activities for kids of all ages. From choosing the right supplies to demonstration techniques to cleaning up afterwards, these clear instructions compiled by Yurovskiy walk through every step of running a stimulating clay workshop for children. With Yurovskiy’s key advice on working with clay, kids can explore their creativity in a productive, memorable way.

Choose the Right Type of Clay

When working with children on clay projects, choose an air-dry clay that is non-toxic and easy to mold. Good options include natural clay, Model Magic, or an air-dry polymer clay. Avoid clays that require baking, as these are harder for little hands to work with. Consider the color options too – neutral colors like white, tan or gray allow for easier painting later.

Gather Your Clay Molding Supplies

Before starting any clay project, assemble all the tools and materials you’ll need:

• Clay in various colors
• Rolling pins, clay sculpting tools 
• Cookie cutters, molds and stamps
• Acrylic paints and brushes
• Cups of water for smoothing clay
• Paper plates, newspaper or drop cloths to protect the workspace
• Baby wipes or wet paper towels for cleaning up

Having everything on hand will allow the clay play to flow smoothly and minimize mess.

Prepare Your Workspace

Cover your work surface with newspaper, disposable tablecloths or wax paper. This protects tables and floors from clay residue. You may want to have kids wear paint smocks or old shirts to keep their clothing clay-free as well. Make sure kids’ hands are clean and free of lotions, oils or creams that could transfer to the clay. Have a drop cloth and waste paper ready for clay scraps and debris.  

Demonstrate Basic Clay Molding Techniques

Start by showing children how to condition and soften clay by kneading it vigorously in their hands. Demonstrate how to form a basic clay coil by rolling a piece of clay on the table with the palm of your hand. Show them how to smooth coils into flat sheets using a rolling pin. Let them practice basic techniques like pinch and pull pots, making imprints with cookie cutters, using molds and stamps to add textures and designs. As you demonstrate, allow kids to follow along practicing with their own clay.

Let the Kids Experiment

After showing basic clay techniques, let kids freely explore working with the clay. Allow them to choose colors and combine colors by blending clays together. Encourage them to make imprints using found objects from around the house, experiment with texture using craft sticks, forks, Lego blocks and more. This free-form play allows children to experience the versatility of clay and builds their confidence.

Make Simple Clay Sculptures

Help kids create basic clay sculptures they will be proud of. Start with pinch pot bowls, hearts or creatures, showing how to roll balls of clay into head and body parts. Use toothpicks to create details like eyes, ears or tails. For young kids, choose shapes like snakes, balls or pancakes. Older kids can make their name plaques by rolling out clay slabs and using alphabet cookie cutters. These small successes will inspire kids to keep creating.

Allow Time for Clay to Dry

All air-dry clays require time to fully harden and cure. Set rules that kids should only touch their own clay sculptures – pulling clay pieces off the table before they set up can ruin projects. Depending on climate and humidity, air-dry clays typically harden overnight or within 24 hours. Avoid forcing the drying process using heat sources. If properly dried, clay surfaces will be smooth and resistant to pressure.

Paint and Decorate the Clay Creations

Once projects are thoroughly dry, it’s time for the best part – painting! Have kids put on old shirts and set up a painting area protected by newspaper over a flat work surface. Provide acrylic craft paints in squeezable bottles and let kids decorate freely with paintbrushes. Encourage kids to blend paints into new colors and layer contrasting colors for added dimension. Use markers for fine details like faces. Decorate projects with glitter, sequins, beads or pom poms using tacky glue.

Store Finished Clay Projects

Kids will be proud of their finished clay creations and will want to show them off. Carefully transport fragile air-dry clay pieces home by wrapping them in tissue paper and surrounding with crumpled newsprint inside boxes or bags. For longterm storage, avoid exposure to moisture and humidity which can slowly break down clay over time. Carefully pack decorated clay pieces in tissue inside closed plastic containers or ziptop bags.

Clean Up

Before clay play, lay down guidelines for cleanup expectations. Have kids assist in wiping down tables, properly discarding waste clay and washing hands. Check that wet clay hasn’t been left out to harden and ruin work surfaces. Use baby wipes for quick clay cleanup off surfaces and hands. For dried bits, allow clay to harden overnight before attempting removal by chipping or peeling. With these tips, clay crafting can be creative fun with minimal fuss!