Working with clay when the weather is exceptionally hot can be tricky as it dries out more quickly. Here are some tips on how to use clay in the summertime.

Here’s how to make Diya (lamps) for Diwali using the pinch pot/thumb pot method. This resource includes video demonstrations and easy to follow, child friendly, step by step instructions. Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards including SEN children and any child needing additional support. If you are new to clay, allow a whole afternoon to make this project if you can. This project also works as a one to one activity or in small groups. There are two videos included in this resource, how to make a Diya and put patterns on it and how to decorate it when it is dry. There are two powerpoints to accompany the making video and one powerpoint to accompany the decorating video which include step by step instructions. What you need: clay pencils lolly sticks LED tea lights paintbrushes acrylic paints What you get: Video showing how to make a Diya with suggestions for patterns Video showing suggestions on how to decorate your lamp Powerpoint step by step instructions - I can make a Diya Powerpoint step by step instructions - I can put patterns on my lamp Powerpoint step by step instructions - How to decorate your lamp Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating) Health and Safety How to recycle your clay Handling clay Looking after your clay Certificate of Achievement These projects help children learn and practice basic skills which can then be used to create their own projects and enhance their own creativity. Although your children are making the same project, they will all look different.

Here’s how to make a clay crown step by step. Suitable for children aged 8 and upwards including SEN children. Great for topics involving fairytales, castles or royalty. This also works well for after school clubs, as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). This project works best as a one to one activity or in small groups. What you need: clay lolly sticks pencils old paintbrushes pots of slip or water. What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a crown’ Powerpoint step by step instructions showing how to make a star close up Powerpoint step by step instructions showing how to make a cross close up Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a crown’. Video animation showing how to make a crown Video showing how to make four basic shapes (you only need to watch the first three shapes) Video showing how to press your clay flat Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating) Health and Safety Certificate of Achievement

Here’s how to make a clay crown step by step. Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards including SEN children. Great for topics involving fairytales, castles or royalty. This also works well for after school clubs, as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). What you need: clay lolly sticks pencils old paintbrushes pots of slip or water. What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a crown’ Powerpoint step by step instructions showing how to make a star close up Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a crown’. Video animation showing how to make a crown Video showing how to make four basic shapes Video showing how to press your clay flat Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating) Health and Safety Certificate of Achievement

Here’s how to make a clay fish step by step. Suitable for children aged 4 and upwards including SEN children. Great for nature, underwater or seaside themed topics. This also works well for after school clubs, as a golden time activity and can be completed in the space of a lesson (up to an hour and a half). What you need: clay lolly sticks pencils old paintbrushes pots of slip or water. What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a fish’ and ‘I can make different types of fish’ Printable step by step instructions for ‘I can make a fish’. Video animation showing how to make a fish and how to make a fish with stick on scales. Video showing how to make four basic shapes Video showing how to press your clay flat Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop (including tips for decorating) Health and Safety Certificate of Achievement

Here’s how to make a play-doh fish step by step. This project has been designed to be used as a one to one activity for SEN children, for children who need help with their mental well-being and as a small group activity for children. Great for nature, underwater or seaside themed topics. Suitable for children aged 4 and upwards. What you need: Play-doh lolly sticks pencils or thin paintbrushes What you get: Powerpoint step by step instructions - ‘I can make a play-doh fish’ Printable step by step worksheet instructions Video animation showing how to make a play-doh fish. Video showing how to make four basic shapes Information for teachers: How the projects work Things you will need Lesson plan Preparing for your workshop Health and Safety Certificate of Achievement