Nearly all students from low鈥慽ncome households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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Many of my students had never experienced clay before I became their art teacher. Many of them had never experienced any art medium outside of pencil, paper, and crayon. Introducing clay for the first time was such a rewarding experience for them and for me. I was able to open a whole new world in their eyes and they were undoubtedly elated! They became so fixated on clay and ceramic projects I could hardly peak their interest with anything else. This year I am striving to take their ceramic creations even further. In years past we have used air dry clay. This works well, however it limits the type, size and quality of their creations. With a kiln my students will have the opportunity to make intricate ceramic pieces that will last forever. They enjoy so much being able to interact with old pieces I created in high school. I want to offer them that same feeling of pride with a creation of their own. They will learn the important steps of preparing a piece for firing, how the physical and chemical properties of the clay change during the firing and pre-firing process and how to work with glaze to give their pieces that clean shine finish. Our school is already equipped with a firing room and the necessary electrical equipment to house a functioning kiln. I hope that this will be the year I can finally give them a true ceramic experience. Not only to prepare them for more advanced ceramic courses in the future, but also open their eyes to a process that enhances their creations to create prideful and perfect masterpieces!
About my class
Many of my students had never experienced clay before I became their art teacher. Many of them had never experienced any art medium outside of pencil, paper, and crayon. Introducing clay for the first time was such a rewarding experience for them and for me. I was able to open a whole new world in their eyes and they were undoubtedly elated! They became so fixated on clay and ceramic projects I could hardly peak their interest with anything else. This year I am striving to take their ceramic creations even further. In years past we have used air dry clay. This works well, however it limits the type, size and quality of their creations. With a kiln my students will have the opportunity to make intricate ceramic pieces that will last forever. They enjoy so much being able to interact with old pieces I created in high school. I want to offer them that same feeling of pride with a creation of their own. They will learn the important steps of preparing a piece for firing, how the physical and chemical properties of the clay change during the firing and pre-firing process and how to work with glaze to give their pieces that clean shine finish. Our school is already equipped with a firing room and the necessary electrical equipment to house a functioning kiln. I hope that this will be the year I can finally give them a true ceramic experience. Not only to prepare them for more advanced ceramic courses in the future, but also open their eyes to a process that enhances their creations to create prideful and perfect masterpieces!