Feelings in Clay: Sculpting Our Emotions!

Description

Today’s play provocation was all about exploring big feelings in small, squishy ways! Using clay and emoji prompts, the children were invited to create faces that expressed how they were feeling—or simply how they imagined someone might feel. With loose parts and playful tools on hand, this activity turned into a meaningful and hands-on journey into emotional literacy.

Age Group

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)

Materials Needed

• Soft clays in various colors

• Emoji cards or emotion face references

• Toy eyes, buttons, pipe cleaners

• Child-safe rolling pins and shape cutters

• Children's books related to self and emotions regulation

Observations

Children eagerly rolled, pressed, and sculpted their clay, choosing expressions that matched their mood or sparked curiosity. One child made a “sad face” and said, “This is when I miss my mom,” while another gleefully pointed to their “excited face” with spiky hair made from pipe cleaners. Several children gathered to compare faces, giggling or offering support. The space was buzzing with both creativity and connection.

Learning Highlights

• Emotional Awareness: Naming and recognizing a variety of feelings

• Self-Expression: Representing emotions through art and loose parts

• Fine Motor Skills: Rolling, pinching, and shaping clay with tools

• Social-Emotional Growth: Empathy and peer connection through shared storytelling

• Language Development: Using words like “nervous,” “silly,” “proud,” and “calm”

This small tray of clay sparked big conversations. It reminded us that even the softest materials can help shape strong emotional foundations. 💛