ACTIVITY TITLE | Meet the space |
AIM | The aim of this activity is to familiarize participants with the workshop environment, including the ceramic room and the tools and objects within it. This activity allows participants to feel safe and confident by providing them with an opportunity to explore the space, become comfortable with the tools, and understand how to effectively use the clay. It aims to create a conducive and supportive atmosphere for their active participation in the workshop. |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(min. 3) |
Familiarise participants with the workshop environment and its physical elements.
Understand the purpose and impact of the tools used in the workshop. Learn about the handling and characteristics of clay, including appropriate techniques and drying processes. Build confidence, comfort, and a sense of safety in the workshop setting. |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Tactile experiences |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | 90+ participants, due to lack of space they will be divided into groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 2 -2,5 hours |
MATERIALS NEEDED | None |
PREPARATION STEPS | Participants and attendees will receive an introduction to the workshop area.
If necessary, they will be divided into groups. A brief verbal explanation will be given about the space and the specific actions they will be required to perform. |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. Gather all participants in the workshop area.
2. Introducing the different areas of space, including the main work area, restrooms, and storage areas. 3. Divide participants into groups if necessary for a more organized exploration. 4. Provide a verbal introduction to each specific area, starting with the main work area. Explain the layout, pointing out the location of tables, chairs, and clay supplies. 5. Allow participants to explore the main work area with their assistance, touching and examining the tables, chairs, and other objects to familiarize themselves with the space and feel more secure. 6. Guide participants to the restrooms, highlighting their location and accessibility for their convenience. 7. Direct participants to the storage areas where clay, tools, and other materials are kept. Explain how to access and return items properly. 8. Offer specific instructions to each team member about the tools they will be using. Explain the purpose of each tool and how it affects the clay, emphasizing any safety precautions or techniques to consider. 9. Discuss the proper use of the ovens for baking clay. 10. Explain the process, including the recommended temperature, time, and placement of objects inside the ovens. 11. Address any questions or concerns raised by participants regarding the space, tools, or other areas. 12. Reiterate the importance of feeling comfortable and knowledgeable about the space, tools, and equipment for a successful workshop experience. |
TIPS AND HINTS | In any case, the participants will always be guided and cared for by their assistants, in order to feel comfortable and understand the space. |
SAFETY MEASURES | To prevent overcrowding, participants will be grouped accordingly.
The objects and tools utilized will be blunt and non-sharp. All questions will be addressed to ensure that all participants have a clear understanding of the space and the tools. |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | The significance of this activity lies in its ability to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the workshop space, foster a sense of comfort and camaraderie among attendees, address any queries they may have regarding the space and tools, and ultimately instill a sense of confidence in their ability to create and exchange experiences. |
SUGGESTED READINGS | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n7apcgQiz0 |
ACTIVITY TITLE | Sensory clay play |
AIM | The aim of this activity is to improve visual-motor coordination and gross motor skills through hands-on clay work. Participants will engage in kneading and controlling the clay, enhancing their physical energy, dexterity, and fine motor abilities. By actively manipulating the clay, they will strengthen hand-feeling coordination, grip strength, and overall motor control, fostering the development of essential skills. |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (min. 3) | Foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and sensory development through tactile engagement with clay.
Cultivate patience, focus, and perseverance while exploring different clay sculpting techniques and self-expression. |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Tactile experiences |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | Due to lack of space, they will be divided in groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 30 minutes – 1 hour |
MATERIALS NEEDED | 1 piece of clay per participant
1 button per participant 1 pencil unused (not sharp) per participant |
PREPARATION STEPS | 1. The participants will gather around the table, and if space is limited, they may stand with the table in front of them.
2. Pieces of clay will be divided and distributed among the participants. 3. Tools such as pencils (unused, not sharp) and buttons will be provided for participants for creating various textures on their clay. |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. Take a palm-sized piece of clay into your hand.
2. Observe and feel its shape, paying attention to its texture, scent, and temperature. 3. Drop the clay onto the table from above and listen to the resulting sound, noticing how its shape alters. 4. Knead the clay with your fingers, shaping it into a ball. 5. Flatten the clay, transforming it into a thin sheet. 6. Use the button or the pencil to create different textiles on the surface of the clay. 7. Feel the different textures and create a piece of your liking. 8. Press your hand against the clay, experiencing the tactile sensation. 9. Lift the clay, cut it with your hands into smaller pieces, and stack them together to create a structure as tall as you can. |
TIPS AND HINTS | In case of participants with special needs who cannot use the clay efficiently, ask a collaborator to help them out and to guide them appropriately. |
SAFETY MEASURES | There will be a safety distance between participants depending on the space
There will be assistance throughout the whole duration of the activity. There will be supervision of the tools used by participants to avoid any injuries. |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | Working with clay boosts confidence as participants engage in hands-on creation, exploring their artistic abilities and shaping the clay to their vision. The tactile nature of the material allows for experimentation and problem-solving, fostering a sense of control and accomplishment. Through this process, individuals gain confidence in their artistic capabilities, promoting self-expression and personal growth. |
REFERENCES AND SOURCES | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_rDDCNB9C4 |
ACTIVITY TITLE | Tactile expression in 3D |
AIM | The aim of this activity is to explore tactile sensations and develop sensory awareness. It promotes creativity and self-expression through the manipulation of a malleable material. Additionally, it enhances fine motor skills and spatial understanding through three-dimensional exploration. |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (min. 3) | Develop spatial understanding and three-dimensional thinking by engaging in the creation of shapes, forms, and structures, encouraging individuals to manipulate objects in a multidimensional space.
Enhance fine motor skills by practicing precise movements and control while working with the malleable clay, promoting dexterity and coordination. |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Tactile experiences Increase the motor skills of the participants |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | Due to lack of space, they will be divided in groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 1 – 1,5 hours |
MATERIALS NEEDED | 1 great piece of clay per participant or the already divided clay for the previous activities |
PREPARATION STEPS | Provide each participant with a piece of clay |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. You start by picking them up and tapping the clay on the table to get the air out.
2. You cut the clay into pieces or balls with your hand, ideally 5 or 6. 3. Shape each ball with your hands so that it becomes like a thick spaghetti, about 6-7 cm long. 4. Close the macaroni by gently flattening it, joining the 2 ends together, creating a circle. 5. Do the same to all the pieces of clay. 6. Place the circles on top of each other evenly, trying to stick one to the other. 7. Feel the texture of the creation and the different returns. |
TIPS AND HINTS | The participants will have assistants in every activity |
SAFETY MEASURES | There will be a safety distance between participants depending on the space
There will be assistance throughout the whole duration of the activity. |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | Awareness of the use of clay and practice in subsequent activities so that participants feel free to express themselves, make mistakes and learn through the process. |
ACTIVITY TITLE | Posture guidance |
AIM | The aim of providing posture guidance in clay activities during a ceramic workshop, is to promote proper body alignment, ergonomics, and muscle engagement. It aims to help participants develop and maintain a comfortable and sustainable posture while working with clay, reducing the risk of strain or injury. By offering guidance on body positioning, movement, and posture awareness, the activity aims to enhance the overall experience, productivity, and well-being of the participants. |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(min. 3) |
Understand the importance of maintaining proper body alignment and posture.
Develop awareness of body positioning and movement to prevent discomfort or strain. Learn techniques to optimize posture and ergonomics while working with clay. Apply the knowledge and skills acquired to promote a healthy and sustainable posture in future clay-related activities. |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Increase the motor skills of participants |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | Due to lack of space, they will be divided in groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 1 – 1,5 hours |
MATERIALS NEEDED | 1 chair per participant if available |
PREPARATION STEPS | Provide each participant with a chair (if available). If space is limited, have participants sit on the floor in a comfortable position |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. Begin with providing a brief introduction on the importance of maintaining good posture while working with clay.
2. Demonstrate and explain proper body alignment and posture, emphasizing the key points such as sitting or standing tall, keeping the spine straight, and relaxing the shoulders. 3. Guide participants through simple stretching exercises to warm up and loosen their muscles before engaging in clay activities. 4. Encourage participants to be mindful of their posture throughout the activity. Remind them to sit or stand in a comfortable position, with their back properly supported and their neck and shoulders relaxed. 5. Offer individualized feedback and suggestions to participants, helping them adjust their posture as needed. 6. Incorporate regular breaks during the clay activity to allow participants to stretch, move around, and reset their posture. 7. Provide ergonomic tools or equipment, such chairs, or tables, to facilitate proper body alignment and reduce strain. 8. Conclude the session with a recap of the importance of maintaining proper posture and encourage participants to continue practicing good posture in their future clay-related endeavors. |
SAFETY MEASURES | There will be a safety distance between participants depending on the space
There will be assistance throughout the whole duration of the activity. |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | Correct posture allows for better body alignment, which enhances overall comfort, efficiency, and control during the creative process. By emphasizing the importance of posture, participants can develop healthy habits that can be applied not only to clay activities but also to various other aspects of their daily lives, promoting overall well-being and long-term physical health. |
ACTIVITY TITLE | My own statue |
AIM | The aim of this activity is to enhance participants’ expressive and creative abilities by using their body or limbs as inspiration for sculpting with clay. It encourages them to explore their own unique physical form and translate it into a creative artwork. Through this process, participants can develop their artistic skills and deepen their self-expression. |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(min. 3) |
Enhance artistic skills in sculpting and manipulating clay to create a representation of the body or limbs.
Foster creativity and self-expression through the exploration of personal physical attributes. Foster a sense of ownership and pride in one’s physical attributes and unique characteristics. |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Tactile experiences Motor skills Artistic skills |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | Due to lack of space, they will be divided in groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 4 hours (with breaks of 30 minutes) |
MATERIALS NEEDED | 1 piece of clay per participant
1 pencil (unused, non-sharped) per participant |
PREPARATION STEPS | The tools and the clay will be provided to the participants |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. Get acquainted with the clay by feeling its texture with your hands.
2. Shape small portions of clay into different body parts, focusing on one at a time. 3. Pay attention to details and add texture as you mold each body part. 4. Use your imagination and memory to guide the sculpting process. 5. Join the individual body parts together by moistening the surfaces and pressing them gently. 6. Use the pencil to create different textiles, to give shape to the hair or small details in the statues. 7. Explore the final sculpture with your hands, appreciating the unique representation of your own body. 8. A big applause to the whole team for their effort. 9. With this activity all the participants, when the clay is dried, will have the opportunity to touch all the other statues if the owner gives their permission, to feel and admire all the unique body types, nature created. |
SAFETY MEASURES | There will be a safety distance between participants depending on the space
There will be assistance throughout the whole duration of the activity |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | We learn by this process to love, admire, and encourage ourselves in any stage of our life. Every person is different and unique. |
VARIANT | If it’s difficult for the participants, they can create only one or more parts of their body. (Assistance will be available) |
ACTIVITY TITLE | Mask of myself |
AIM | The aim of this activity is to explore and express one’s identity, emotions, or personal through the artistic process. It provides an opportunity for self- reflection and self-exploration, allowing individuals to delve into their inner thoughts and feelings. Additionally, creating a mask from clay can be a therapeutic and transformative experience, allowing for personal growth and the development of creative skills. |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(min. 3) |
Explore different facial expressions, gestures, and symbols.
Engage in introspection and self-reflection to explore their own identity, emotions, and inner world. Express themselves creatively by designing and sculpting their own unique mask. |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Tactile experiences Increase the motor skills of participants Increase the artistic/ ceramic skills of the participants |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | Due to lack of space, they will be divided in groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 3 – 3,5 hours |
MATERIALS NEEDED | 1 piece of clay per participant
1 unused (non-sharped) pencil per participant 1 button per participant 1 spoon per participant |
PREPARATION STEPS | The tools will be distributed to the participants |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. Prepare clay and tools.
2. Design and shape the mask. (full face mask, half face mask, animal mask) 3. Cut the unnecessary material from the eyes, from the mouth, or in the whole mask, to create holes, if you want to. 4. Add facial features. 5. Create texture and details with your given tools. 1) Allow the mask to dry. 2) Optional: Paint or decorate the mask. 3) Give a big applause to the whole team |
SAFETY MEASURES | All the participants will have a proper distance between them to not be harmed.
Assistance will be provided during the whole duration of activities |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | Crafting a clay mask can provide therapeutic benefits, aiding self-reflection, emotional exploration, and stress relief. It also develops cognitive abilities, problem-solving capabilities, and fine motor skills, learning our own body through clay. Ultimately, this activity empowers individuals, instils confidence, and offers a fulfilling and enriching experience. |
VARIANT | 1 color palette.
1 painted brush. If it’s available, they can give color to some parts or their whole masks. |
ACTIVITY TITLE | My lovely thing |
AIM | The aim of this activity is for participants to express their preferences and personal interests by creating and communicating their favorite things or habits through clay. Through the creation of wearable objects representing their favorites, participants engage with clay as a medium of expression and strengthen their connections with one another, fostering a sense of shared experiences and interests. |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(min. 3) |
Encourage creativity.
Foster self-expression Provide social interaction within the group. |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Tactile experiences |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | Due to lack of space, they will be divided in groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 4 hours |
MATERIALS NEEDED | 1 piece of clay per participant
1 unused (non-sharped) pencil per participant 1 button per participant 1 spoon per participant |
PREPARATION STEPS | The tools will be distributed to the participants |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. Prepare the clay and necessary tools.
2. Decide on the type of wearable item you want to create. 3. Mold and shape the clay using your hands, ensuring a comfortable fit. 4. Use your given tools. Create shapes and textures 5. Pay attention to details and textures, adding decorative elements or small clay pieces if desired. 6. Adjust the size and fit as needed. 7. Allow the clay to dry or cure according to instructions. 8. Optionally, paint or varnish the finished piece for added visual appeal. 9. Give a great applause to the whole team |
SAFETY MEASURES | All the participants will have assistants.
All the participants will have the appropriate space between them to not be injured or overcrowded. |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | This activity encourages diversity and individuality, celebrating the beauty of different perspectives and artistic expressions. It promotes inclusivity by embracing personal choices and unique forms of self-representation. |
VARIANT | 1 painted brush
1 pallet with colors If desired the participants can give color to their art-pieces. |
ACTIVITY TITLE | Bring your figurine to life |
AIM | The aim of this activity is to help participants refine their motor skills and develop better control over their hand movements. It also promotes focus, patience, and attention to detail, as they work on shaping and refining the clay to bring their figurines to life. By engaging in this process, participants can improve their fine motor skills while expressing their creativity and imagination through the art of sculpting |
TRAINEE(S) PROFILE(S) | Participants, Trainers, Assistances |
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(min. 3) |
Enhance participants’ fine motor skills and hand coordination, as they refine their movements and manipulate the clay with precision.
Promote self-confidence and self-esteem. Feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their artistic creations |
TEACHING METHOD(S) | Verbal communication
Tactile experiences |
N° OF PARTICIPANTS | Due to lack of space, they will be divided in groups of 10 or more people per time |
DURATION (in minutes) | 4 hours |
MATERIALS NEEDED | 1 piece of clay per participant
1 unused (non-sharped) pencil per participant Necessary pottery tools |
PREPARATION STEPS | The tools will be distributed to the participants |
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS | 1. Prepare a small piece of clay by kneading it until it becomes soft and malleable.
2. Shape the clay into a basic form, such as a ball or cylinder, which will serve as the foundation for your figurine. 3. Begin adding details to the figurine, starting with the head, body, and limbs. Use your fingers and simple tools to mold and shape the clay as desired. 4. Pay attention to proportions and symmetry while sculpting, ensuring that the different parts of the figure are balanced and well- proportioned. 5. Refine the body posture of the figurine. Decide if you want to sit, to be still, to dance and act accordingly. 6. Take breaks to step back and assess the progress of your figurine from different angles, making any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired look. 7. Use your given tools to add different textures to your figurine. 8. Allow the clay to dry and harden according to the instructions provided for the specific type of clay used. 9. When the figurine is ready, give great applause to the whole team. |
SAFETY MEASURES | All the participants will have the appropriate space between them to feel comfortable.
Sharp tools will not be used. Assistance will be given during the activities |
INNOVATION/ADDED VALUE | The creation of figurines with clay can be a therapeutic and cathartic experience, allowing individuals to express their emotions and release stress. The act of sharing and showcasing these figurines can facilitate meaningful conversations and connections among participants. |