Erasmus+ Project “SWOT Scouts” 2018-1-ES01-KA229-049952  
Development of Social Intelligence  
Aspects of emotional competence covered: Social skills 
Educational level: Primary Education, Secondary Education, Higher Education 
Source: Own authorship / Vlasta Kovačević Herzog  
Duration: 45 min.  
Ceramics Workshop 
INTRODUCTION:  
Working with clay is considered highly stress-reducing. By focusing on the two senses of 
vision and touch we can achieve a type of  "rest“ from the current problems, and by stepping 
back from them we can come to a resolution of a problem – we get insight "outside of the 
box“. The material is moldable and the results are visible after a short time, reducing the 
sense of frustration, in other words the result gives pleasure and strengthens the self. 
In a relaxed atmosphere (safe space, comfortable surroundings) and with the goal that is not
directly connected with emotional intelligence, it becomes possible to informally work on 
individual problems or on reinforcing the group through free interaction of the participants. 
Development of creative processing and visual-tactile thinking, two categories closely 
related to emotional intelligence, is an essential part of this work. 
OBJECTIVES:  
- to produce an object made of clay 
- to develop a positive attitude towards shaping material in participants 
- to boost motivation for this type of work on self 
- to strengthen the personality 
- development of creativity 
- reinforcement of group cohesion 
PREPARATION:  
- Materials & resources:  
Clay, molding tools 
Models for the theme – in this case we were making symbols of glagoljica, and we prepared 
the glagoljica alphabet 
PROCEDURE:  
Step 1:  
Type of interaction: frontal / 10 min. 
Description:  
- The presenter explains the basics of working with clay 
- Written materials about the theme (in this case glagoljica) are passed along, or a 
video presentation about the theme is shown - The motive is approached through short introduction about the content and the 
actual assignment  
Step 2 
Type of interaction: individual / 30 min. 
Description: 
Working with the material. The participants choose a motive (one letter of the glagoljica 
alphabet) and make it in the form of a pendant. The technique is individually explained, 
depending on the assignment and the individual's skill level. 
Step 3 
Type of interaction: whole group / 10 min. 
Description: 
Participants display the final products next to each other in the display area. They are 
encouraged to comment their own and others' work.  
Questions: 
What were you trying to achieve? Are you satisfied with what you've accomplished? How 
does it feel working with clay? 
Do you particularly like someone else's work? Why? 
How does your work fit with the others? How do the works function as a whole? 
EXTENSION:  
The final products can be dried, additionally made smooth using a sponge or sandpaper and 
baked in the ceramics kiln. 
In a relaxed atmosphere (safe space, comfortable surroundings) and with the goal that is not 
directly connected with emotional intelligence, it becomes possible to informally work on 
individual problems or on reinforcing the group through free interaction of the participants. 
COMMENTS: 
Development of creative processing and visual-tactile thinking, two categories closely 
related to emotional intelligence, is an essential part of this work.