“Clouds”
Bringing the clouds inside: snuggling into fabrics, fluff, soft light, and shadows in a child-led journey of sky-gazing and storytelling.
The Concept
“Clouds” is based on open play with everyday objects and tactile materials, starting with the natural element of air and encouraging young children to observe the natural world.
The universal theme of the sky connects naturally with every child. We only have to look out of the window to see clouds of all kinds: fluffy puffs of white, dark rainclouds, and huge faraway sky lands. In this session, we reinterpret the classic “looking at the clouds” game, allowing the child to lead with their imagination: what can you see?
Every child is given their own little fluffy cloud to nurture, animate, and sculpt into whatever they imagine.
Sensory Elements
Facilitated by lead early years artist Liz Fitzgerald Taylor, each session features:
- White Parachute Silk & Cloud Cloth: For sensory crawling games and peek-a-boo play.
- Cloud-Shaped Cushions: For tumbling, resting, and building sky castles.
- Sensory Baskets: White textured fabrics of varied weaves, fleece, silk, and cotton.
- Light & Shadow Play: Overhead projector shadow puppets illuminating magical silhouettes.
- Soundtrack & Storytelling: Original gentle music and improvised narration guided by the children’s ideas.
Session Details
Duration: 1 hour
Group Size: Approximately 15–20 children
Bookings: Available for nursery settings, children’s centres, galleries, and festivals.
Child-Led Freedom
“This has been great — so many classes expect more structure. This has been lovely because it’s much freer and child led and gives a much better idea of the children’s own imagination. Through the freedom, it’s more relaxing for the parent.”
— Monika NeallFlexible Participation
“Well structured, flexible format to give kids space to respond in their own way — to watch or be shy and to join in when ready.”
— Participating Father at The LowrySensory Control
“Using the white parachute silk for sensory play worked really well for all of them. The kids were very much in control.”
— Surestart Swinton Early Years Practitioner