My first thoughts are that it helps develop both small and large motor
skills. It is also a form of art that is often overlooked. Many students
today feel that the "really good" artists in their class are the ones who
draw well. This leaves out a very real form of expression. Many students
find they can express themselves easily with clay, and it often has a
calming effect with students. And because clay in the elementary doesn't
come with a predefined set of "rules" like drawing does, ALL students feel
successful.
There will probably be better answers soon - the pain medication I'm on is a
killer AND it is past my bedtime - but that's what I think of right off the
top of my head.
~Michal
K-12 Kansas Art Teacher
http://www.geocities.com/theartkids
> My off the cuff answer has to do with multiple
> intelligences and the math/spatial connection. To be
> honest, I'm a potter and a sculptor and I definitely
> lean more toward 3-d art rather than drawing, as a
> viewer and as an artist (it's not only the work that I
> make, but the work that I most strongly connect with
> with) but I don't have any specific data or studies to
> reference as to the importance of exposure to
> three-dimensional media especially with elementary to
> intermediate level age groups. Any suggestions?
>
