Developing skills through thematic studies with children aged 6-10

This thesis investigates the effects of thematic ceramic module studies conducted with the participation of different groups of children aged between 6-10 years on their educational and cognitive skills. The study aims to enhance children's artistic expressions, motor skills, social communication, and cooperative abilities through ceramic work created within a modular system using clay materials. The study also seeks to increase sensory expression abilities and children's interest in learning. The primary objective of this thesis is to reveal the child-oriented contributions of the ceramic art activity and fill the knowledge gap in this area. Within this scope, workshops were conducted with 165 children at Bilkent Laboratory and International Schools, Milli Eğitim Vakfı Özel Eğitim Primary school, and Büyükşehir ANFA Primary School. Observations of cognitive and physical effects during the clay module construction phases were made. It was noted that children participating in the workshops begin to adapt to group work, enjoyed being part of the process and production by helping each other and analyzing each other's work. In this process, their cooperative and social skills were improved. Ceramic art practices can be utilized as a tool for art education at every level.