My students currently don't have the opportunity to throw on the pottery wheel. We have a clay program, but most of the equipment is very old. Last year our clay department showed its age. Our kiln of 35+ years bit the dust, literally, along with our pottery wheels. Luckily, my administration was able to find funding for a new kiln. Unfortunately, we were not able to fund the pottery wheels, and my budget for supplies will not cover the cost to replace them. My students and I are deeply sadden by the loss of our pottery wheels.
Clay is a metaphorical, tangible, sensory loaded material that has endless possibilities. Lumps of wet sticky dirt can be turned into objects with a little work, creativity and skill. It's know wonder why my students love clay so much; Clay gives them the power to change something useless into something useful. It is a metaphor for change and reminds us that we can create something from nothing. Many of my students are struggling emotionally, physically, and financially. While new pottery wheels will not fix their current situation, it will teach them that with hard work and creative problem solving they have the power to make change.
About my class
My students currently don't have the opportunity to throw on the pottery wheel. We have a clay program, but most of the equipment is very old. Last year our clay department showed its age. Our kiln of 35+ years bit the dust, literally, along with our pottery wheels. Luckily, my administration was able to find funding for a new kiln. Unfortunately, we were not able to fund the pottery wheels, and my budget for supplies will not cover the cost to replace them. My students and I are deeply sadden by the loss of our pottery wheels.
Clay is a metaphorical, tangible, sensory loaded material that has endless possibilities. Lumps of wet sticky dirt can be turned into objects with a little work, creativity and skill. It's know wonder why my students love clay so much; Clay gives them the power to change something useless into something useful. It is a metaphor for change and reminds us that we can create something from nothing. Many of my students are struggling emotionally, physically, and financially. While new pottery wheels will not fix their current situation, it will teach them that with hard work and creative problem solving they have the power to make change.
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