Preschoolers Learn Hands-on with Clay

Children in the Orange Inclusive Preschool are learning hands-on how to shape the world. They were recently visited by Mr. George Woideck from Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio who interacted with them as part of a “Clay Time” workshop.

Preschoolers created their very own clay art. George inspired them to feel, pinch and mold clay into a wonderful variety of shapes. This helped them in developing their motor skills.

It was a fun activity for the students but they also learned about clay, how to make a product, what it feels like, the firing process and how the final product will turn out.

“This was a great sensory experience as well as educational for all students at all levels,” said Mrs. Susie Yuhasz, OIP Teacher. “They had fun and learned new fun facts about clay. They were excited to see their final products this week.”

With a reduced budget for field trips this school year, the preschool has been able to supplement its

curriculum in another engaging way by bringing in various experts and educators from places such as the National History Museum, Lake Farm Parks and Young Audiences.

The Orange Inclusive Preschool Program provides individualized attention to preschoolers. The program is specially designed for 3 - 5 year olds that includes half the class as typically developing peers and half as those identified with special needs.

Young Audiences introduces students to an art form, supports various curricular areas, and injects excitement and wonder into the school day. Their preschool programs enchant the youngest learners with the magic of the arts. These 30-minute performances are specially designed for early childhood classes, children ages 3-5.

George Woideck began his full-time career as a ceramic artist in 1975. Since then he has been an artist-in-residence in schools throughout Ohio and Michigan. He was named National Young Audiences Artist of the Year in 2001. He also presents ceramic workshops for the Teacher Resource Center of the Cleveland Museum of Art.