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Ms. Cressman’s Classroom Edit display name

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In each of my classes, we discover failure, patience, and time. As a student touches clay for the first time, there is often a light that shines in their eyes. All term they look forward to using the pottery wheels. A month into the term, I let each student try the pottery wheel for a week while they learn the simple steps to throw a mug. We talk about how without time and patience the wheel seems impossible. My main goal for them is to take time away from everyday thoughts and concerns, to be mindful as they try something new. Many students fail to make something functional but at the end of the day, they have gotten dirty, played in the earth, and learned some good life-long lessons. Many of my students are good academically and have a hard time with failure or letting go of control. Spending time on the pottery wheel teaches these principles and how it is ok to try and experience a process instead of a product. While other students find peace in using the wheel and are able to succeed quickly from this mindful process. One of my students was donated a wheel this last year from the community, because of the peace it brought into her life. Making pottery has become the way she copes with her anxiety and depression and brings joy to others.

About my class

In each of my classes, we discover failure, patience, and time. As a student touches clay for the first time, there is often a light that shines in their eyes. All term they look forward to using the pottery wheels. A month into the term, I let each student try the pottery wheel for a week while they learn the simple steps to throw a mug. We talk about how without time and patience the wheel seems impossible. My main goal for them is to take time away from everyday thoughts and concerns, to be mindful as they try something new. Many students fail to make something functional but at the end of the day, they have gotten dirty, played in the earth, and learned some good life-long lessons. Many of my students are good academically and have a hard time with failure or letting go of control. Spending time on the pottery wheel teaches these principles and how it is ok to try and experience a process instead of a product. While other students find peace in using the wheel and are able to succeed quickly from this mindful process. One of my students was donated a wheel this last year from the community, because of the peace it brought into her life. Making pottery has become the way she copes with her anxiety and depression and brings joy to others.

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About my class

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