On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the classroom walls at New Gateway International School expanded to include the smells of damp earth and the whir of the potter’s wheel. Our Little Explorers (Pre-K and Reception 2) traded their crayons for clay during a magical morning excursion to Veranda Pottery and Cafe.
Sensory Learning in Action
Education at this age is all about the “power of touch.” Stepping into the world of ceramics, our students discovered how simple soil can be transformed into something functional and beautiful.
Guided by expert instructors, the children dived into traditional techniques:
- The “Pound”: Using wooden tools to hit and prep the clay (a favorite for releasing some preschool energy!).
- The “Shape”: Using tiny fingers to smooth edges and pull the clay into jars and vases.
- The “Detail”: Drawing patterns and shapes directly into their creations.
More Than Just Pottery
While the children were busy getting their hands dirty, they were actually hitting some major developmental milestones. This hands-on experience is a fantastic way to sharpen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Beyond the technical side, the trip was a beautiful exercise in cultural heritage and social bonding. Seeing the children sit together at the long worktables, marveling at the finished ceramics on the shelves, and helping one another was a reminder that the best lessons often happen outside the four walls of a classroom.
“Whether they were watching a professional demonstration or focusing intensely on their own lump of clay, every student returned to campus with clay on their hands and a massive smile on their face.”
A Foundation for Creativity
We believe that “learning through play” is the best way to plant the seeds of art appreciation. By the time we headed back to school, our little artists hadn’t just made pots—they had made memories that will last a lifetime.
A huge thank you to the team at Veranda Pottery and Cafe for hosting us and inspiring our youngest learners!
