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When
children choose to play with the malleable materials it shows they
are independent in selecting and carrying out activities. The
texture of the materials appeal to children's senses. Working with
playdough and clay encourages them to play together and share the tools
which are available. |
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Children
are encouraged to talk about what they doing and what they plan to
do next, this develops speaking and listening skills. They will
develop specific vocabulary related to the tools and actions used
with malleable materials. Mark making skills can be developed by
using pencil shaped tools on the materials. Problem solving skills
will also be developed. |
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Children
learn a great deal about pattern and shape during malleable play.
Number and counting opportunities also lend themselves to this type
of play (counting currant buns, cherries for cakes etc).
Mathematical vocabulary can be developed by asking questions of what
the children are doing. Measurement, comparing, sorting and matching
skills can be developed (weighing sweets, sorting shapes into sizes,
comparing lengths of worms etc). |
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Children
learn how to manipulate the malleable materials and describe how
they feel. They can learn about features of living things by
observing and then transferring their knowledge to their models
(making models of 'minibeasts'). When children are involved in
making the playdough they become aware of how materials change.
Children also learn how to use various tools and develop language
associated with designing and making. |
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Using
malleable materials enables children to experience and describe
different textures. They become aware of three-dimensional
structures and can be introduced to the work of sculptors. Malleable
play also lends itself to working imaginatively. |
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Fine
motor skills are developed through using the relevant playdough/clay
tools. They learn how to manipulate the materials to do what they
want it to do. They will also be introduce to the language of
manipulation e.g. squash, squeeze, prod. |
