Clay Play was a series of art workshops held in collaboration with St. John the Baptist Church and the connected primary school in the London borough of Lewisham. As the facilitator, I’ve had the privilege of guiding children through engaging workshops as part of their enrichment program, incorporating clay exploration, values based education and storytelling to explore important virtues, encouraging children to reflect on their understanding of values, in a meaningful and memorable way.

Values such as Respect, Honesty, Compassion, Effort, Kindness, Trust, Gratitude, Sharing, Cooperation, Fairness, Responsibility, Equality, and Equity serve as guiding principles for children’s moral development. Through discussions and storytelling, children were encouraged to reflect on these values, considering what they mean to them and why they are important.

In these workshops, using clay Children translated their ideas and reflections into tangible artworks, creating in a playful, mindful, and intuitive manner. Each artwork served as a unique reflection of the children and their understanding of these values, showcasing their creativity and individuality.

Beyond artistic expression, these workshops provided a platform for meaningful discussions and processing of thoughts and feelings related to these values. Through the creation process, children had the opportunity to explore and articulate their questions, answers, and insights, fostering critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

Values education is essential for shaping children’s understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them. By engaging in activities that promote reflection, empathy, and ethical decision-making, children develop the skills and mindset needed to navigate life’s challenges with integrity and compassion.

Explore a few of the creations from the children of St Johns and celebrate the power of art and values education to empower children and foster their holistic development.