Clay modelling for
the home and classroom
Sculptural activity and clay modelling fulfill a deep inner need for children and adults alike. It has many benefits and possible applications in the classroom and home. Rudolf Steiner speaks of the inner activity that takes place when we engage in forming and modelling clay’. Clay supports the development of children in a variety of ways. It has an energising and regenerating effect on human life forces. It works on strengthening our will and it is a creative, formative, forgiving and therapeutic material full of potential to not only give us joy, but to challenge us and to teach us about ourselves.
It also has the wonderful potential to enrich the curriculum and support the main lessons.
The course will be brought to you by two presenters, Almut Woolard (Term 2) and Tania Hungerford (Term 3). Almut will cover the use of clay and other materials from the early years to Class 3 in Term 2 (such as beeswas modelling, plasticine, sand, and earth (mud), and Tania Hungerford will cover Class 4-6 in Term 3. Together we will explore a range of clay activities which are suitable for children at their stage of development. This will range from simple but meaningful modelling of ‘pure forms’ and hand explorations to suitable small and larger objects and methods of working with children in classes 1-6.
This part-time online offers a Certificate of Professional Development upon completion. It is non-accredited and does not lead to a qualification within the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Tutors in this course
Tania Hungerford has been a teacher in Adult Education working with Anthroposophy for 25 years. She teaches units including Sculpture, Form Drawing, the Twelve Senses, Human Development, the Four Temperaments, Professional Communication and Conflict Resolution, understanding and working with Trauma and developing inclusive teaching practices for working with Children with Individual Learning Needs. Tania has offered many Professional Development programs to Waldorf Teachers in schools around Australia and in Asia.
Tania has brought the therapeutic aspects of working with clay into the Seminar’s courses “Harmonising Trauma and Stress Disorders Through Working With the Arts” and “Therapeutic Arts”.
Almut Woolard has worked in Steiner Waldorf education for over 25 years. Leading and establishing a parent and child group was followed by teaching woodwork, clay-modelling and upper school crafts in the South Devon Steiner School, England. Four years of studying anthroposophy and sculpture at Emerson College in the 80’s laid the foundation for the pedagogical work with wood and clay.
Working in the sculptural arts is very important and developmental for children. Her contribution to teacher training in Europe and Asia has been very practical, giving teachers skills and confidence for using clay and wood with children.
Practical information
Information for students
What you will need
Materials: the cost of these is separate to the course fees. You will need to purchase or have access to some artistic materials including:
Pottery clay – a block of smooth hand building clay available from ceramic supply shops (10-15 kg). Cost approx $15-20
Personally I like using a fine clay with added grog (ground up pre-fired clay) because it makes for less shrinkage when drying and better resistance to cracking during drying and firing.
Clingfilm or plastic bags for keeping the clay moist
Modelling board
Note : Air-drying clay contains small polyester fibres to hold the clay together and is not recommended.
Term 2 material list will be updated soon.
Date, time and cost
Duration: 2 terms in 2023. 3 May to 14 June and 26 July – 6 September
Wednesday evenings from 7.00 – 9.00pm (Melbourne time AEST)
Cost: $445 per term
Information: For enrolment questions, please contact Carmen in the office on +03 9876 5199 or email: c.kwong@steinerseminar.edu.au
Withdrawing and refunds
· If you withdraw prior to course beginning we will refund any fees paid less a $100 enrolment processing fee.
· If you withdraw after the first session of the course, we will refund any fees paid, less $155 administration fee.
· If you withdraw after the second week, no refunds can be given.
Certificate of Professional Development
Our part-time courses come with a certificate of Professional Development Hours, subject to meeting the course requirements:
- We hope this will be an enlivened experience for you. We require your attendance at 80% of sessions in order to gain the acknowledgement of PD hours completed AND
- A simple but meaningful assessment task at the end of each term which will be based on some general questions about what you have gained from all sessions completed to date. This is a required step as part of meeting PD standards in Australia.
- Each evening will be live streamed and recorded.
How to apply
Click below to confirm your place in this course.
