Students in my ceramics class are ready to work and excited to be in the only ceramics class at their school. I want to give them a rich experience in ceramics and peak their interest in the craft and art of clay. Students' interest and eagerness is there, they just need materials to do their job!
I work in Northeast Philadelphia at a large high school.
It is one of the most diverse high schools in the area, making my students knowledgeable, worldly and mature. Many of my students also live in poverty and jump at an opportunity to do something they would not normally be able to do. The 33 students enrolled in the new ceramics class are very excited to learn about ceramic arts and create clay objects. They have little access to the clay arts in their schools and communities. However, they have shown such a huge interest in the craft. There is already a waiting list for the class in its first year! With the right materials and equipment, we will grow this program to reach even more students, encouraging them to express themselves through 3d ceramic craft and art.
My Project
My ceramics class will expose students to a wide variety of techniques and forms of clay art. They will learn about clay artists and make their own tiles, pottery and sculpture. The classroom is not yet fully equipped to accommodate this learning, however. In order to collaborate in making a tile mosaic, students need to use a slab roller. This ensures that the tiles are uniform and will look professionally made. In order to create their own set of dishes that they can actually use at home, students need high fire, lead-free glazes. And in order to learn the basics of clay, students need canvas boards to wedge and recycle their clay on. By having full use of these materials and equipment, students will be empowered to create something from the raw materials to the finished product. They will be able to see an idea through, knowing that they have what they need to get their work done effectively and creatively.
Having a slab roller, high fire glazes, and canvas boards in a high school ceramics class will ensure that students have the resources they need to learn and create.
They deserve and require high quality, functional equipment, and safe materials in order to grow their ideas. Students will feel cared for and dignified as they create in the ceramics classroom with new, professional products.
Creative students can do a lot with very little, but they can accomplish even more with the right tools!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Thompson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
