Exploring malleable materials is an essential part of children's learning, giving them the freedom to create, experiment and express themselves in hands on, open ended ways. At the EYEC, we provide a rich variety of materials, such as clay, playdough, cornflour and oats, to support children’s development across all areas and to encourage them to transform ideas into something uniquely their own.
Exploring shapes, patterns and textures with clay tools
Building early design and problem-solving skills through natural clay play.
Exploring texture, movement and early science concepts with cornflour mixture
Building fine motor skills through collaborative clay play
Little makers shaping big ideas
Early sensory play with natural materials
Why Malleable Materials Matter
Malleable play appeals to children of all ages. It engages all the senses and can help children relax, release emotions and build confidence, for example, squeezing dough, smoothing clay or running fingers through cornflour. For children who feel unsure or worried about “messy play,” gentle support from an adult helps them feel safe to explore.
Because many children have limited opportunities for messy play at home, we ensure they have the space, resources and encouragement to investigate these materials here. This hands-on exploration helps children learn that there are no limits to what they can make or imagine.
Friedrich Froebel emphasised the importance of self-activity, first-hand experiences and natural materials like clay. His belief that children learn best through play, exploration and sensitive adult support continues to guide our approach today.
The Importance of Secure Attachments
Children explore with confidence when they feel secure. Drawing on the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, our team focuses on building warm, trusting relationships so children feel safe trying new experiences. Staff carefully support each child, especially those who are hesitant, helping them develop the confidence to explore malleable materials at their own pace.
Learning in Two and Three Dimensions
Through squeezing, shaping, rolling and moulding, children begin to understand both 2D and 3D forms. Every child at the EYEC has regular opportunities to explore a wide range of materials, with adults providing guidance when needed to support individual developmental needs.
Elements
Why Clay Matters
Clay has been used for thousands of years, and Friedrich Froebel was one of the first early-years pioneers to introduce it into kindergarten classrooms. As a natural material, clay helps children connect with the world around them while expressing their ideas through Froebel’s three forms: knowledge, beauty and life. At the EYEC, clay is a key part of our creative curriculum, offering children rich opportunities to explore, imagine and represent their thinking.
Hands-On Discovery
Clay invites children to experiment freely - pressing, rolling, flattening, squeezing and shaping. Through these hands-on experiences, they learn about texture and transformation: how clay feels when it’s wet or dry, smooth or rough, round or flat. These moments of discovery help children understand cause and effect and build both fine motor and problem solving skills.
Guided Creativity
With sensitive support from adults, children learn how to use clay safely and purposefully, exploring different techniques and tools to bring their ideas to life. By giving children time, space and encouragement to explore clay at their own pace, we help nurture creativity, confidence and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Exploring Other Malleable Materials
Alongside clay, children at the EYEC enjoy a wide variety of malleable materials, each offering unique sensory and learning experiences that support creativity, fine-motor skills, problem-solving and early scientific thinking.
Playdough
Playdough can be rolled, squeezed, squashed and shaped in endless ways. Children quickly discover how it behaves - how flour stops it sticking, how gently stretching makes it break, and how pieces can be pressed together. Playdough can be coloured or scented to enrich children’s sensory exploration.
Plasticine
Plasticine (a mixture of dry clay and mineral grease), is firmer than playdough and requires more strength to mould, helping children build hand muscles and persistence. Its bright colours can be mixed to create new patterns, and its distinctive smell often sparks memories of imaginative play.
Cornflour Mixture
Cornflour offers a fascinating “liquid-solid” experience. It looks runny, but feels dry to the touch and can be squeezed into a solid shape - only to melt through your fingers moments later. Children love experimenting with this unusual texture as they learn through cause and effect.
Oats
When water is added, oats transform completely. Children can adjust the texture by adding more or less liquid, exploring how the mixture changes as they squeeze, mould and shape it with their hands.