Sculpture, a three-dimensional visual art form, is sometimes forgotten in early childhood education. Sculptures may not fit neatly into portfolio folders and family car boots, but educators can always take a photo to preserve the learning.
Sculpture aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Children can use a range of media (5.3) and materials (4.4). Sculpture is experimental and involves problem solving, inquiry, hypothesising, researching and investigating (4.2), commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, curiosity, imagination, creativity and confidence (4.1).
Materials for sculptures
Sculpture allows children to manipulate a variety of processed materials and natural materials, including:
- clay, playdough and plaster
- paper and cardboard
- wire
- sticks (e.g. twigs, branches, tooth picks, pop sticks)
- materials from your recycling bin and found objects
- fibre and textiles
- decorative items (e.g. glitter, beads and shells)
- adhesives (e.g. glue and masking tape).
Techniques for making sculptures
Modelling and sculpting
Modelling and sculpting involve manipulating materials like clay and playdough into formations. Children can build up shapes with their hands before adding decorations or finer details.
Construction and assemblage
Assemblage involves gathering and assembling found objects or materials. This technique promotes waste reduction and resourcefulness.
Construction involves building sculptures from materials like pop sticks or cardboard. Children join pieces together to create a structure. This technique teaches engineering concepts like balance and stability.
Carving
Carving is suitable for soft materials like clay, soap or wax. Children can use safe tools to carve away excess material. It is a delicate technique that develops fine motor skills
Paper mache
Children can layer strips of paper soaked in a paste of flour and water. These strips are sometimes layered over a pre-existing structure that can be removed after the paper mache dries, like a wire frame or balloon. This technique can result in lightweight, sturdy sculptures.
A similar sculpture technique involves plaster bandage strips dipped in water. These are soft and flexible but turn hard when they dry. Plaster bandages can be purchased from most art and craft stores.
Wire sculpting
Using pliers, children can bend and shape wire into formations. Some wire can easily be bent with their hands.
Sewing, weaving and knotting
Children can learn basic skills like sewing, weaving and knotting. These techniques are commonly associated with fiber and textiles but paper is also an excellent material. Paper can be sewn together using blunt, plastic needles. It is also easily woven.
Collage
Collage, like paper mache, is excellent for building up sections of a sculpture. It can also be used to decorate an artwork. Collage can be completed using scraps of paper or three-dimensional items (e.g. buttons and beads) and strong glue.
Painting and drawing
Encourage children to add colour and texture to their sculptures by painting them. They can also draw on them using suitable markers. Soft materials like clay can have drawings scratched into them.
Learning experiences
Make a bead chandelier
Children can make stunning bead "chandeliers", with a little help from educators. Thread beads onto strips of wire or thread and attach them to a circular structure, like an old hoop or bicycle wheel. Once complete, hang the circle from the ceiling so the beads fall down below.