Since I don't have a kiln or know how to use one, I think homemade play dough and other types of easy sculpting clay would be a little easier to do at home.

Edible play dough sounds great for young kids who might put things in their mouths. Here is a website with all kinds of edible play dough that would be fun and safe for kids.

For kids who are little older, here is a recipe that is easy and cheap. It can be cooked in the oven, without a kiln!

Clay Recipe

Homemade Clay for Kids

Air Dry or Oven Bake

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

1 cup hot water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother texture)

Mix the Clay

1- Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.

2- Add hot water (and optional oil if desired) and mix thoroughly.

3- Let cool until comfortable to knead (about 5 minutes).

4- Knead until smooth and pliable (about 6 minutes).

5- MAKE POTTERY AND SCULPTURES!!!!!!!

Fun Pottery Tools

Modeling Ideas

Roll out the clay with a rolling pin and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.

Make small figurines, flowers, or beads (keep them from getting too thick for better drying).

Let them air dry, usually takes about 5 days if they aren't too thick. (Rotate twice a day.)

Paint them with acrylic or tempera paints.

Also try adding food coloring to the clay when first mixing to color the clay.

This clay can also be baked at 300 for 40 minutes or until hard. (This gives the clay a golden brown "baked" look which I like. If you want the clay to stay whiter, bake at 250 for 50 minutes or until hard.)

This recipe was found here.

Crayola also makes a clay for kids that is pre-made but can air dry and then be decorate with paint or markers.