As promised, here's an update on the projects my students have been working on.

Let's start with the two Intro to Ceramics classes: When I started at MHS they were already working on what is called the "Initial Project".  This is really meant to help them get used to the materials and explore what they can do with clay.  They begin by sketching a design to create a template.  It is recommended that they use their initials or a short word for the design.  Unfortunately I don't have any photos at this time because most of the projects are in the kiln or in line to be fired. Ultimately, the idea for this project was to add texture to the letters and explore how to use the variety of tools in the classroom.  They also learned how to slip and score (or scratch and attach as they call it) and use underglazes with glaze.

Next was a 2-in-1 pinch pot project.  They created two pinch pots that were around the same size and connected them to make one egg shape.  From there they needed to make them open somehow and decorate the outside.  Some students kept it simple with their design and actually made eggs others got more creative and made animals or fruit and many other things.  These two classes keep me so busy I have had difficulty finding the time to take photographs.  I do have ONE photo of a project after being bisque fired:

Going Back to High School

Last week I went back to high school, but this time I wasn't a student- I was the teacher. WEIRD!

My student teaching experience began in a flurry of new names, faces and a packed schedule.  Mansfield High School is not very large (about 1400 students) and class sizes are reasonable at approx 24 students.  I see about 100 students throughout the day. The school has 60 minute classes, 5 a day.  Their schedule runs 1,2,3,4,5 one week and 5,4,3,2,1 the next.

There are 3 classrooms and one computer lab where Art classes take place.  The two rooms that are upstairs are where I spend my time.  These rooms house Intro to Ceramics, Portfolio Prep, Advanced Drawing and Advanced Ceramics classes this trimester. 

This is Kerry's classroom.  I spend three periods with her: 2 Intro to Ceramics classes and one Advanced Drawing.She shares this space for one period with Scott, the Art director, who teaches a Portfolio Prep class for juniors and seniors.

A view from the middle of the room. 

Close up, the center island with storage.  Glazes and under glazes are on the right and acrylic paints and drawing supplies on the left.  The center drawers hold ceramic tools, water cups and other miscellaneous items.  

View from the other side of the room, to the right are storage cabinets for student work and supplies.  In the far right corner there are a few pottery wheels.

Close up of cabinets

Kerry's desk

Through the door in the picture above is the Art Office.  This small room serves as storage space, a meeting area, library and break room.  If you were to continue walking through you would reach the other classroom I spend my time in:

This is Jen's classroom where I help in Advanced Ceramics

The far side of the room, shelves where students keep their works in progress

 Wheels, only one is working at the moment

The opposite side of the room, sinks and supplies. The door at the left leads into a storage room:

 

 It holds a little bit of everything as well as:

Two kilns.  Normally one is used for bisque firing and the other for glaze firing, but one is not working properly and can't get hot enough.  It is not being used for now.

Next time: A look at some of the projects the students are working on and a breakdown of what's going on in the classes I'm in, as well as the role I play in them! 

Thanks for tuning in, folks! Now get out there and make something!

Hello out there!

Hello world,

    This is my final semester of graduate school at Lesley University. HOORAY! While doing my student teaching I will be sharing my thoughts and experiences in (and maybe out of ) the classroom. 

Stay tuned for some insight on the world of Art Education!