Using Clay in Small Groups

I love using art and art materials in counseling! I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to get to know my students better and for them to really stretch their thinking. I was super impressed with how much insight the activity gave me into their way of thinking.

Outline for the Clay Small Group Activity (Grades 3-5): 

Students will each be given a piece of clay and will be asked to make something that represents a special part of them as a person.

Then students will be given a numbered paper from 1-9. TCW ask the following questions to the group and they will record their answers:
1. What is the title of your sculpture?
2. If you could change the color of your sculpture, what colors would you choose?
3. If this sculpture could say something to you, what would it say?
4. If this sculpture could have a best friend, who would it be?
5. What is this sculptures favorite food?
6. What does this sculpture like?
7. What does this sculpture not like?
8. What does this sculpture want to shout out-loud?
9. What is the title of your sculpture?

After the group session, the counselor will meet with students individually to process the activity and the responses.

Here are some examples of the sculptures my small group members made: 

This one was titled "Flower"
What does this sculpture want to shout out-loud?  "Help Me"

Titled "The Best Friend"
What does this sculpture want to shout out-loud?  "Let make this world peaceful and full of nice friends"

Titled "NiNi Sad"
What does this sculpture want to shout out-loud? "Today is Thursday!"

Titled "Cake and Flower"
What does this sculpture want to shout out-loud? "Help" 

Titled "Solider"
What does this sculpture want to shout out-loud? "I am a New Person!"

I absolutely loved this activity. Plus, my students remained engaged in the clay activity for at least 30 minutes. I had to cut the time short so we could answer the questions but still many of them ask to use the clay again in group. 

What other art therapy interventions have you used in a small group setting? How did it work within the group?