How to Teach a Pottery Wheel to Children
Pottery is the making of items by using clay as a basic material. Children as young as 3 years of age can begin making objects for which the only limitation is their imagination. There are many pottery wheels on the market specifically for children. A pottery wheel is an investment that will pay you back in the joy your child has when creating her masterpiece. Pottery helps teach children hand and eye coordination, shapes, and learning how to create. Choose the pottery wheel kit that is right for your family and you will be amazed at how your child flourishes.
Things You'll Need
- Electric pottery wheel kit for children (with AC adapter)
- Bowl
- Rags
- Apron or smock
Instructions
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1
Find a place to set up the pottery wheel. The area should be flat, on a table that is easy for your child to reach, and in a spot that has no carpeting and will be easy to clean after the pottery is finished. A tile floor or even old linoleum would be perfect.
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2
Place the apron or smock over your child's clothing to prevent ruining anything she might be wearing. Fill the bowl about ¾ of the way with water. Remove the clay that comes with the pottery wheel and moisten it with water from the bowl. Let your child get used to the feel of the moistened clay.
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3
Allow the child to place a small piece of moistened clay on to the wheel. Plug the wheel in using the AC adapter that comes with it and allow the child to turn it on as you supervise.
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4
Show the child how to regulate the speed at which the wheel turns, using either a hand control or a foot pedal, depending on which make and model you get. Show her how to make patterns on the clay with the orange sticks that come with the wheel as it spins. For first time use, choose as slow a speed as is comfortable for your child. Increase it gradually, showing him how to speed it up and slow it down and how it affects the clay.
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5
Add water as the clay dries out and, after you do it once, let your child do it after. It may take a few uses with the pottery wheel for your little one to get used to remembering to use the speed adjustment, keep the clay moist and realize when her first few projects are complete.
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Remove the finished project by using the wire clipping tool that comes with the kit. Set the article in a safe place to dry for two days. Once the clay is dry, use the nontoxic paint and the brushes that come with the kit to add finishing touches. Once the paint is dry, the project is finished.
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7
Clean the pottery wheel and the work surface, floor and the apron after each use so that the pottery items will be ready for the next artistic endeavor.
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Tips & Warnings
Use various items such as feathers, nails and sponges to make interesting patterns in the paint, and try quick-drying pottery glaze for a shiny finish.
Never leave your child alone with the pottery wheel. It is an electric device and could present hazards to your child.
References
- Photo Credit pottery image by Avesun from Fotolia.com
