Learning Through Clay - The Schoolhouse Network

Name of Class: Learning (Life Concepts) Through Clay

Supply Fee: $35 to be paid at start of semester

Parent-Teacher: Mary Martin

When: WEDNESDAYS at 12:30 p.m. until 2:30p.m.

Maximum Student Size (Caps Out) Number: 5 kids

Still available as of today? Yes, two spots left.

Ages/Grade(s) Recommendation: Ages 7-10

Class Summary: Learning Through Clay is for children who are struggling with focus, behavior, relationships, self-regulation, executive functioning, or meeting developmental milestones.

These children are often bright, curious, creative, and kind-hearted; however, these strengths can be overshadowed by the challenges they face. We will be learning valuable Life Concepts for developing executive functioning skills.

Learning Through Clay is delivered in 3 steps.

Step 1: Practicing Self-Regulation Tools

*Release – a breathing tool for relaxation, relieving tension, and help manage stress and anxiety levels.

*Dial is a mental imagery tool used to help monitor energy levels and maintain rapport with others.

*Koosh-Ball exercises are a fun, interactive way to practice maintaining focus while strengthening neural pathways and improving balance and coordination.

Step 2: Life Concepts Early Years

The focus of Life Concepts Early Years is to facilitate a solid understanding of the following fundamental ideas as they relate to both Self and Others:

Self
another /others
change 
consequence 
cause and effect
before and after
time
sequence
order and disorder

This is achieved through explicit teaching of each concept. Each concept is introduced through demonstrations and experienced with the child in a fun way that appeals to their interest. Then, the child is guided to create a clay model of their own choosing, visually representing that concept. For example, they may choose to sculpt the life concept of change by making a flat balloon becoming a full balloon out of clay.

Step 3: Integration of Life Concepts

The most effective way to consolidate learning is for the child to have many fun and meaningful experiences that embed a practical understanding of how each life concept exists in the world.

After each concept is taught and mastered at the clay modeling table, the child needs lots of opportunities to recognize and experience the concept in the real world, with help from Mom, Dad, and supportive family and friends. These experiences are essential, as they enable the participant to integrate the concept into their own identity and establish an internal ‘filing system’ that provides the foundations for future thinking and behavior.

Physically interacting with these concepts in the surrounding environment deepens the child’s understanding of these fundamental aspects of life. It also enables them to apply this understanding across a variety of day-to-day situations, which develops their executive functioning skills.

Class Fee of $35 at Start of Semester Covers:

4 1lbs clay
Cutter
2 Koosh-Balls
Storage container
Supplies for explorations

Length of Class: One semester (Jan 10 – May 8)

Days: WEDNESDAYS

Time: 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Contact: Mary Martin ([email protected])

NO PER-CLASS FEES

OR PER-CHILD FEES for the Curriculum.

SchoolhouseTeachers.com MEMBERS CAN TAKE ALL THE CLASSES THEY WANT, NO LIMITS.

Note: Some classes may include a nominal “Supplies Fee.”

Example: Dissecting the cow heart in a Biology or Anatomy class would include a cost for the supplies, even though that class is free. The Teacher will make any “supplies fees” known before the start of class.

If you desire to sign your student up for Learning Through Clay, contact the parent-teacher immediately (email listed above) to get on the waiting list, as the class will fill quickly (max 5). You must have a current membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com to sign up. Need a discount? A full-year membership, which covers every child in the family, is normally $269.97. Click the red box below for the discounted price of just $189 for 365 days.