Hey Fran:
I've been in your situation during my first year. I've been teaching nine
years. I have a Skutt kiln and its great. I order from Bennett: at least a
pound of clay per student (probably around .22? cents a pound earthenware
clay without talc) and I know the shipping charge is heavy so you might want
to order this in bulk.) The clay is good for two years but too wet to roll on
a roller table, if you have one. The students need to knead it to get the
moisture out of it for a slab roller table.
e-mail me privately and I'll
help you with problems.
Sue in Florida