clay seashells

I have been re-reading about Reggio Emilia schools again recently. They spend a lot of time studying nature and working with clay, so it is something I decided to introduce to my children. Working with clay, as we quickly discovered, is very different from the playdough we are used to. It takes much more time and patience. Initially my kids were a bit frustrated with it, but I kept reminding them to take their time and get to know the clay. You have to learn to work with it and not against it. (Very similar to my feelings towards childbirth!) My mom has brought back many shells from the beach in the past, so we spent some time studying the different shapes and textures, and then attempted to sculpt shapes inspired by the shells. We also made a small nest and filled it with eggs and worms (for when the baby birds hatch). The boys wanted to take the photos, so they came out a bit blurry.. but hopefully you get the picture! This was our first attempt, so I am hoping once we get use to working with clay, it will become more enjoyable and relaxing for the boys. And I think we might eventually have to get them their own cameras too, seeing how they are becoming more and more excited about taking photographs. This is wonderful to me because another important part of Reggio Emilia is documentation and I would love for them to get involved in the process of capturing and recording their projects through writing and photography! :)