Our lovely editor was so kind as to supply me with a premier column question (Thanks, Deirdre!):

Dear Alecia:

I want to start teaching kids polymer clay, but I'm not sure what kinds of projects are suitable for which age levels. Can you give me any advice?

Deirdre Woodward

Short and Sweet

When working with kids, I have generally found that children under five are not interested in 'the details.' They are happy with a basic piece that they can decorate with glitter and other goodies.

Kids five to nine want some detail but don't want to be bothered with tedious details before the glitter and other goodies.

Kids 10 and up want the details and might or might not care about as much glitter and other goodies.

So What Do I Do?

Well, if you have a large enough class to separate into those under five in one class and those five and over in another – do it. That way you can change the level of project difficulty to fit the class.

If not, try using a staged project. By this, I mean try something that can be considered finished at several different stages.

Example:

My children love to help make cut out cookies. The two-year-old is happy simply using the ginger man cookie cutter and sprinkling on colored sugar. My seven-year-old, however, must grant the ginger man eyes to see with, a nose to smell with, a smile to, uh, smile with, etc. Both of the children are equally occupied and equally happy and half of the time the little one will learn to put on eyes and all that other stuff from the older one!

Great! But You Still Haven't Exactly Answered the Question.

Small children do well with less detailed projects that use tools like cookie cutters to create shapes they recognize. As children age, they will be able to translate more details of the world around them through their own will and effort. This ability will increase with time and age. Every child loves glitter and confetti. Cookie cutters hold a certain fascination. Incorporate these and you will not only be a hit, but flexible too! And always keep in mind – each child is unique and will advance at a different pace. If they want more, they will make it known. We just have to keep our eyes and ears open so that we recognize it!