Kids Modeling Clay

Children discover how to make basic forms as they explore kids modeling clay materials. They also develop hand-brain coordination, agility, fine motor skills, longer attention spans and creativity as they have fun with modeling compounds.

As well as being a calming activity for children, playing with products such as Plastercine™ and Playdoh™, helps kids develop social skills as they sit together sharing dough, rollers and cookie cutters.

Kids Modeling Clay Basics

Teach children to form a basic ball shape, an egg shape, a pancake, a volcano, a snake, a sausage and a ribbon. Once they have mastered these forms and the names for each one, it is easier to instruct them how to make the tide pool animals in the mini-tide pool.

The following information is adapted from "Fun With Modeling Clay" by Barbara Reid by Kids Can Press Ltd.

kids modeling clay

Kids Modeling Clay Books and Tools

Modeling Clay Animals: Easy-to-Follow Projects in Simple Steps by Bernadette Cuxart, shows readers how to make more than 50 different figures using clay and other materials. The book begins with basic tips and instructions and is mainly visual.
Let's Model with Clay (Creative Ideas for Kids) Features creative ideas and step-by-step instructions for fun animals and things to make.
Mudworks: Creative Clay, Dough, and Modeling Experiences (Bright Ideas for Learning) (Kohl, Mary Ann F. Bright Ideas for Learning Centers) by Mary Ann F. Kohl. 1992. Bright Ring Pub. This book has more than 100 recipes for kids modeling clay, dough, plaster and other modeling mixtures that can be used for fun or art.
Fun with Modeling Clay (Kids Can Do It) by Barbara Reid. 1998. Kids Can Press. This book begins with basic shapes and takes students on a step-by-step process fashioning everything from fruit baskets to outer space scenes. I think this book was first published under the name "Playing with Plasticine".
Melissa & Doug Shape, Model and Mold Includes five easy-grip, wooden stamping cubes, three rolling pins, four modeling dough tubs with molding lids and a patterned wheel press.
Alex Toys Dough 'N Tools Wooden case contains four tubs of dough and 11 wooden dough tools This kit is a great activity for one child or a small group
Play-doh Spaghetti Playshop This set has a pasta maker machine, additional molds, serving utensils and 3 colors of play-doh compound.
Play-Doh: Fun Factory Super Set My own children and my students loved the extruder that comes with this set. It also has over 35 pieces and 5 colors. Children play with this product for quite a long time.