"MUDWORKS" is a book of open-ended clay, dough, and other modeling mediums and art experiences. There is no right or wrong way for projects to turn out. Exploration and experimentation in sculpture, design, and play are encouraged for all ages.After children have explored and repeatedly experienced the modeling qualities of doughs and clays, they will begin to refine their work and skills automatically and independently. Young children may assist in preparation of doughs and clays with supervision. Older children will work more independently. The decision as to how much each child can handle safely and successfully is yours along with the child's. Once modeling mixtures are prepared, freedom in exploration and experimentation will be encouraged and enjoyed. Adult models to copy are not necessary. But this is not to say adults should not join in and enjoy the art experiences too! Free-form designs, as opposed to perfect "cookie-cutter" products, are the goal of the projects in "MUDWORKS". The creative modeling experiences in this book were developed and compiled for independent expression by children of all ages. Each recipe and activity needs no adult model to copy; children simply explore and create from the materials at hand. The outcome of each experience is bounded only by the child's imagination. Some projects will be lovely to look at, some lovely to taste, and others lovely to have explored and nothing more. Children will need only to please themselves. Explore. Experiment. Create. Enjoy watching the creative sparkle of each child. Excerpted from Mudworks: Creative Clay, Dough, and Modeling Experiences by MaryAnn F. Kohl All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
