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Lesson Plans


Re: Ceramics for the Gifted

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
vala vinogradoff (vala)
Fri, 24 Jul 1998 12:59:22 +0930

Try establishing what their interests and provide a means of generating
motivation.(what are the age groups?)
Initially look at something like ceramic sculpture where students can design
objects based on themes eg. space warriors, cars, imagery (eg.a can of worms),
hybrid creature (link to literacy) etc. Students can't finish just in a two hour
session, and would need to wrap these in plastic and follow up the following
week. Hollow up bases, dry and then initially paint surfaces, paint a base
colour and examine colour theory concepts befor painting the pieces. Varnish at
the end. You could even use air brush on larger pieces. The idea is to obtain
their interest.
Later look at things like natural objects for slab imprints and textures that
you may raku or use oxides.
Build seaforms, combine them with thrown pots. Students need to be involved with
mixing their own glazes especially the older ones and G/T
You would need to have examples and show and examine quality and finish so that
students understand what is possible with clay.

John Tiemann wrote:

> Hi artsedneters!
>
> I have recently accepted a position at a Visual and Perfoming Arts High
> School in Missouri and was needing a little help getting started in my new
> position as a ceramic intructor. I would appreciate any comments,
> suggestions, lesson plans, etc that anyone out there can help me with
> concerning the few concerns of mine....
>
> 1. I have found out that the previous teacher in this position was quite
> laid back about writting lesson plans and enforcing any type of discipline
> in the classroom. Of course, because of this, the students loved him because
> they could get away with anything! How do I, as a young new graduate, lay
> down the law throughout the first few weeks of school and still have the
> students like me and give me their all, after they have been used to a lacks
> program. I am afraid that they will shut down all together and hate me
> because I actually care about them and want them to learn something! Any
> beginging tips for me here?
>
> 2. I have taught ceramics to other high school students and have had great
> success, but the work produced was never at a high quality that I am used
> to. However, it was great progress compared to the beginning projects being
> produced at the start of the year. Many of the students didn't have an
> interst in being there but I was able to get them interested in the projects
> and get some positive results. Now here's my second problem, these students
> at my new position are classified as gifted... how do I keep them motivated
> and interested in the topic without them flying through the project in less
> than an hour (in a 2 hour class) and sitting there bored the rest of the
> time? I am not very experienced in working with the gifted, especially at
> the high school level. What do others of you do in order to keep their
> interests. What are common problems or stories you would like to share to
> help me prepare for such situations?
>
> 3. My college never offered any type of class concerning glaze chemistry or
> clay mixing. Are there any teachers out there that have any recipies or
> suggestions that would make my job a little less time consuming before and
> after school? I believe I will have to make all my own glazes and clay
> bodies. Can someone tell me the differences between stoneware, earthenware,
> and terra cotta clay bodies? What are the ranges between low fire and high
> fire. The school has access to doing pit firings.... what steps do you take
> at your school when pit firing?
>
> I know this is a lot to ask everyone, but I know that there is at least one
> person out there that can enlighten my mind with some outstanding advice! I
> hope to hear from you soon. Many thanks in advance, and have a great summer
> before the race begins!
>
> John
>
> s1014906