All Hands in Clay

Funded Feb 7, 2024

It is nice to have all my students' hands in clay: at the same time! Wow! What a difference it makes in engagement for my students and classroom management. Currently, my students are creating Functional Ceramics– Clay Slab Mugs to be exact. And, rather than students having to share clay knives, or wait for a banding-wheel– all students can create at their own pace. Also, teaching "one lesson at a time" frees me up as the instructor to provide my students with more individualized instruction, feedback, and encouragement.

When my students saw that we had enough banding wheels for all of them to work at the same time they were thrilled. I think they felt my relief to not have to teach multiple lessons or have students wait. When I introduced them to the new layering glazes I saw sparks fly. I could finally see their creative minds at work as they looked at all the options they now have in front of them.

Now that I have a full set of working tools for my ceramics students, I am planning an independent clay project. For this project, students will be able to apply all they've learned about clay and the ceramics process to a project of their own design. They will be able to collaborate with peers in a whole new way– sharing ideas and creating classroom discourse. I am so excited for my students to have ownership of their learning at this level. They deserve it.”

With gratitude,

Dr. Swain