Let's play with clay

Pottery is one of the most creative activities you can let your child experience. On May 28, Clay Station, a pottery studio in Dhaka, began a 4-day summer camp where children can learn different techniques of hand building with clay using pottery tools, know about different types of ceramics, and receive a certificate. At the camp, the children made dinner wares for their families as well as pizzas and burgers for themselves. In addition, they made animals out of clay to represent their own zoos and aquariums. On the last day, they will paint flags for themselves on tiles.

Children tend to not focus on a task for very long, but can get engrossed in their work when it comes to clay.“Pottery making has calming effects and it also improves a child's creativity and focus, which is necessary in a world where everyone is drawn to electronic gadgets,” says Musharrat Murshed, a parent of one of the children. She further explains that working with clay allows children to have a physical outlet to express their emotions and ideas.

Furthermore, when it comes to children and pottery, the process of learning is often more important than how the product turns out in the end. The knowledge they gain from the creation, helps them gain self-worth and know that they have the ability to create artistic pieces with clay. “Having a finished piece to hold on to or give as gifts to relatives adds a special value to the child's life and can make sculpting a very memorable experience with souvenirs of their past challenges and triumphs,” says Sharmin Ahmed, founder of Clay Station. Another one of these summer camps will be held in June.