My students need a set of clay tools to be able to continue sculpting, modeling, and hand building with clay.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Winkler's classroom raised $463
This project is fully funded
My Students
"Ms. W, when do we get to use clay?" I am asked this question at least once a week by any number of my art students, from the Kindergartners to the eighth graders. After giving them my "I'm so sorry" look, I let them know that next year will be full of clay projects, we just need some tools.
My students come from an urban, low-income neighborhood.
They are the lucky ones with the opportunity to attend a charter school with smaller class sizes, a well-enforced discipline plan, and devoted teachers. They are picked from a lottery in hopes of beating their unsettling odds of graduating high school and attending a four year college. Their perfectly ironed plaid uniforms often mask the truth of their situations and I forget that a lot of them come from broken and unstable homes. I am lucky though, to get to see the entire school, grades K-8, every week. I get the chance to watch the little ones excitedly use paint for the first time while I have the privilege of watching the older ones showcase their talents in a variety of media. An eighth grader of mine came into the art room during one of my breaks and said, "Ahhhh, the art room." I like to think that is what art class is to my students, a breath of fresh air in their otherwise unpredictable lives.
My Project
One thing I've learned about teaching art is that children love clay! The little ones love to experiment and get their hands dirty while they discover what happens when different objects are pressed into it. The upper grade level students love to meticulously add details and create textures on their carefully built clay objects. It is especially rewarding for them to create something utilitarian, a box they sit in their room or a coil pot they can give to mom as a gift. It has been difficult to give them the very best experience with clay without the necessary tools or a kiln. We do what we can with air dry clay and plastic forks and knives, but with clay tools sets, canvas material, and rolling pins we will be able to create any clay project imaginable! Clay projects are just as satisfying to finish as they are challenging in the process. Students gain something more from being able to work with such a hands-on material. Working with clay helps to create a well-rounded art curriculum.
We have been so blessed through Donor's Choose in the past to build the art supply closet with various materials, allowing for a full and well-rounded art experience.
Donors who choose to fund this project will allow me to continue creating an enriching, fun, and meaningful art program for the students at our school. The clay tools will allow each grade level to create a ceramic piece they are proud of to show off in the new display shelves lining our school's hallway this year!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Ms. Winkler and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.