Art class is new to my school and many of the students here have never had the opportunity to make pottery. It lights up their faces we I talk about it. I have taught this to other students before and they love the wet, sloppy, feel of the process. They love and cherish their pottery.
My students come from of an area that has a lot of artist avenues and scenes, However the students come from mostly low income areas so they do not get to see most of this art besides passing a shop window.
Our art program is just starting here and I have the privilege of introducing 5th and 6th graders to the wonderful word of pottery. I believe by just letting them get the experience of seeing and feeling wheel thrown clay will help inspire the into other creative avenues and will give them objects that they can be proud of.
My Project
My students need a pottery wheel to experience the feel of making pottery like a professional does. Students beam with confidence when they take that first drink from the cup they made. I have had students come back to me a few years later and tell me that the cup they made in my class is their favorite in the cabinet. The drink from it everyday. This is why I want to give my students the experience of this. There is no better feeling than eating or drink from something you made yourself. I will help guide each student make their choice of a bowl or a cup. They will then glaze them any color they want. I will do this with them several times through out the year so the pottery wheel will impact over 400 students a year.
Pottery wheel last for 15-20 years.
Over 400 students each year during and after school will get to experience this machine. I think this impact in the number of students is great but also the confidence and pride that comes with making ceramics will be something they will pass to others. There really is no better confidence boost than watching a students show off their pottery to others.
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