6th Graders Get Their Hands Dirty!

After their 10 minute observation contour drawing exercise, 6th Grade students watched and commented as I demonstrated the techniques for preparing clay and "throwing" it on the wheel 

to create vessels. Students were shown the mechanics of the pottery wheel, the bat, and the tools needed to work on the wheel.

Demonstration included attaching the batt to the wheel, the perfect speed for centering the clay, how to center your clay (don't let the clay bully you!), tricks for shaping the clay into different forms, and how to remove the vessel from the batt. Today students worked on wedging their clay, centering in on the wheel, and attempting many manipulations before sacrificing their "muddy" creations to be reconstituted for future use and giving the wheel to the next eager student. Ultimately, 6th graders will get the opportunity to create various types of vessels over the school year.