There’s no denying the benefits of hands-on activities—from the cradle to college, research points to why people of all ages should, in a sense, get their hands “dirty.” But somewhere along the way, kids have replaced hands-on activities with their screens. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reports that, on average, kids ages 8–18 spend 7.5 hours a day on their screens. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for physical play, which is known to spark creativity. But here’s the thing: You don’t “age out” of the importance of play or being creative. So here’s an idea: Encourage your older kids to try throwing pottery, like the one at Do-It-Yourself Crafts. Here are 5 reasons your teen should experience a pottery throwing class:
1. A Creative Challenge
“People confuse creativity and artistic [ability],” shares Julia McNair, owner of arts and crafts shop Do-It-Yourself Crafts. “Creativity is making something. Clay is great because it’s a creative endeavor that doesn’t require artistic ability.” Playing with clay allows teens room for experimentation and personal style; they get to decide what to make and put their own spin on things. (Literally!) Plus, it appeals to teens’ growing desire for mastery and independence.
2. Encourages Resilience and a Healthy Relationship with Failure
Being a teen in today’s world is hard. Between the pressures of school and societal expectations, it’s easy to feel you must be “perfect.” The cost of failure just feels too high. But not every piece works when you’re throwing pottery—and that’s part of the learning. “Kids are great at being bad at things and learning new things every day,” McNair explains. “Clay is something you can mess up the first time and [then] do it [the second time].” Throwing pottery—or doing a hand building class—teaches your teen perseverance, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Plus, as McNair points out, “With having an instructor and so much time, if you make a mistake, you’re still going to get something out of it.” I can testify—I watched a guy’s vase fall in while he was spinning his wheel, only for him to turn the remaining clay into a lovely creamer pourer. Moreover, I’ve discovered I’m not so “naturally gifted” myself; however, Jordan, my instructor, was quick to jump in and guide me through the process.
Making a mistake with such a low-level outcome helps teens see mistakes as part of the creative process, and that they can problem-solve and give each other grace. (Plus, at Do-It-Yourself Crafts, you get to create two pieces and then choose your favorite, so it leaves a little extra wiggle room for mess-ups.)
3. Produces Functional, Usable Objects
At the end of your beginner’s pottery throwing class, you get to take home what you make—whether it be a mug, a bowl, a vase, or something similar. (Well, after they put it through the kiln for you in your favorite color glaze!) What you or your teen may not think about when entering the studio, though, is that your piece becomes a memory, a special keepsake. After all, I still remember the (arguably atrocious-looking) hand-formed bowl I made in fourth grade many, many years later.
“It sits with you forever. It’s a moment of life. It’s not just a one time thing,” explains Jordan, the Do-It-Yourself pottery instructor. “It’s gonna be a memory, every time you drink it or use it, which is why clay it’s so cool. Clay is incredibly personal like that.” So not only will your pottery piece be functional—whether it’s on display or put to everyday use—it’ll serve as a reminder of the special time you had making it.
4. It’s a Fun, Indoor Activity
Okay, let’s be real. The winter months in Birmingham are not cute. They’re cold, rainy, and dreary. Even if you wanted your kids to get off their screens, it’s not like you can really send them outside. Throwing pottery is a great way to engage their brains and hands at the same time… while still staying out of the cold. Plus, the wheel demands your full attention, which encourages mindfulness (and allows them a break from the stressors outside of the studio).
5. Boosts Confidence and Self-Expression
As a middle schooler, a dream was sparked in me to start my own pillow-making business. My parents encouraged me and helped me figure out how to get started. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than creating a physical product you’re proud of as a teenager. I loved showing off my work—and the same is true for pottery. It’s so exciting to have a physical reminder of your hard work. Turning raw clay into a finished object builds pride and confidence in anyone, but especially a teen. And if it becomes a hobby… what beautiful, tangible proof of effort and growth!
So Go and Get Your Hands Dirty
Pottery throwing is a bit of a combo of creativity, engineering, and sensory experience. It’s not “easy,” but the instructors are excellent at guiding you through the process. The class prices are very reasonable (especially when you consider what it would cost to buy a piece of pottery!), and it’s especially rewarding for teens and older kids. Get your teen to try it with a friend, or go yourself. You never know—you just might inspire a new hobby!
