The Kids 'N' Clay Ceramics Book [Paperback]

Kevin Nierman (Author), Curtis Arima (Author), Elaine Arima (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

It's a fact: most kids love mucking around with clay. And the spread of glaze-it-yourself pottery shops 'round the country has made it easy for young artists to fan the flames of their creativity in the fire of a kiln. Now, any child can find creative fulfillment -- and gloriously messy hands -- in these step-by-step, illustrated pages. Readers will learn how to set up a ceramics studio, make cool gifts and family heirlooms, and fashion their wildest dreams from a simple lump of clay. Includes ceramic techniques, tools customized for young beginners and projects for home or school. 2000 Parents' Choice Recommended Book 2000 Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-6-A collection of appealing ideas using professional materials and techniques. Readers will need access to commercial glazes and kiln firing, and use of an electric wheel when possible. Projects include bowls, cups, bookends, and candle holders. Small, colorful photographs of children and their work are interspersed with illustrated numbered steps for creating the projects. Most of the information is basic, accurate, and pretty clear, but cautions about safety can get a little silly. This book will be most useful to youngsters whose parents have the time, space, interest, and resources to be at hand, as well as access to ceramic supply companies or schools where they can collect additional information and advice beyond these basics. The bibliography lists five adult books on ceramics. There is no mail-order source for supplies but subject headings for searching the Internet and phone book are suggested. For the right family, with plenty of resources, this book provides an introduction to an exciting artistic arena.
Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Arima offers techniques developed by ceramics teacher Kevin Nierman and suggestions for projects for kids as young as 5 and as old as 16. The clear explanations of materials and tools, the glossary of terms, and the step-by-step directions for hand-built and wheel-thrown projects all bode well for the success of children and instructors who use this practical guide. Ideas include a breakfast bowl, storytelling bookends, and a prickly porcupine. Each section begins with a color photo of the completed project, followed by clear instructions illustrated with black-and-white drawings. A good guidebook for children intrigued with making things from clay, and the adults who want to help them. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883672899
• ISBN-13: 978-1883672898
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #649,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great book to help teach, October 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Kids 'N' Clay Ceramics Book (Paperback)

The book is full of great projects for kids on the wheel and handbuilders. Most importantly are the helpful instructions on how to teach the wheel thowing process. I gave copies of this book to several new after-school teacher's assistants so that they could understand the teaching process better. It definitely helped.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for kids!, March 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Kids 'N' Clay Ceramics Book (Paperback)

As a student of Kevin Nierman's for ten years, since the age of eight, I have had the good fortune to be exposed to his wonderful teaching style. Kevin has the natural ability bring each child's inner creativity to the surface. He has challenged teaching conventions by allowing young kids to do whatever they want with clay, including throwing on the wheel -- and he has proved that young children can succeed and have fun working on the wheel. More importantly, he knows how to make working with clay FUN!

The Kids 'N' Clay book brings Kevin's experience and natural teaching ability into a format accessible to all. This book is filled with tips and ideas, a wonderful aid for kids who have any kind of artistic inclination. Although it is not necessarily intended to be a beginner's manual, it can be an excellent supplement to any art classes your child may already be taking. It is a helpful and fun guide to the wonderful creative world of clay.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent book to inspire childrens' development!, March 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Kids 'N' Clay Ceramics Book (Paperback)

This book replicates the exceptional environment that exists in the Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio. The opportunity for kids to explore their creative intelligence, problem solving capacity and social interaction skills is facilitated by the creative process as documented in this book. The book sets up the projects, learning scenarios and technical (easy) aspects of creating the same kind of nurturing child development environment in your home or classroom. HIGHLY recommended!