Hobbies And Interests
Pottery Wheel Kits
Several companies--including Curiosity Kits, Roseart, Imagine Nation and Natural Science--manufacture kits for kids to introduce them to pottery-making. Kits usually include a pottery wheel with a foot pedal; sculpting tools so that kids can carve designs into the clay; containers of paint; and several pounds of clay. Such kits stimulate children&'s interest in pottery and cultivate their creative side.
Archaeology Game
This game is suitable for kids who enjoy learning how things work and relish a challenging task. Children start by taking several old pots and vases and painting them bright, brilliant colors. Once they dry, take them outside and put them inside a pillowcase. Then the kids get to have fun breaking the pots and vases. Make sure, though, that they don&'t crush the pottery into tiny pieces, as they&'ll need large chunks that can be glued back together. The kids should do this with the level of care and attention to detail as a real archaeologist.
Paint Your Own Pottery
Every major city and even some small towns have a pottery studio where kids can come in, select a piece of pottery and paint it in whatever way strikes their fancy. If there isn&'t a nearby studio, purchase unpainted pieces of pottery and host your own pottery-painting party. Cover a few tables with newspaper and purchase pottery-appropriate paints and plenty of paint brushes. You can provide kids with a painting theme, such as their favorite animals, or just let them decorate their pottery however their imagination leads them.