I teach in a k-5 school setting. My core content area is art. We are a Title One School and have a good-sized population of special needs students. We have recently added an Autism program. In addition to that, we offer Gifted and Talented Education as well. There is something for everyone. We are a Smart Technology Lighthouse School. We have been named a Red Carpet School, and have won the S.C. Palmetto Award. Our principal is S.C. Principal of the Year! We have a great body of students, and our population diversity is increasing as our school district is witnessing the most increase in growth in years.
My students have not had the opportunity to really experience creating in clay. Unfortunately due to budgetary concerns, arts costs restraints and facilities, we are not set up nor equipped to handle the requirements or space needed to include a "meaningful" clay experience.
I am simply making a request for you to support student experience and opportunity. With today's ever-changing art market, there are ways to provide clay experiences at costs small enough to be an attainable goal in schools like ours.
"Sculpey" is a brand of polymer clay. It will at least afford my students an opportunity to get some experience with the art of using clay.
Once we are awarded the funding, we will begin brainstorming in "3D." We have to decide what we will make and which class will be able to participate in this pilot experience. Your funding will create hours of "fun" and learning all rolled into one. Though it may seem small, the rewards will be big. I've taught for 22 years so far, and the last time there was a kiln in our school, it was my first year of teaching! It's time for a change! This change will add a dimension to my existing art program.
As a result of your funding, my students will get the experience in manipulating a pliable, 3-dimensional form that they imagine in their minds and transform into products that they can feel and touch.
Size and skill of hand-building will not be what drives this experience. What is driving this idea is that it will open a window for my students to include, strengthen, and initiate regular use of 3-dimensional form and shapes in our curriculum, which is a very important "missing element" in our program.
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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. s. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.