FOR WHO: Ages 6-9 (maximum 9 learners)

WHERE: Online via Zoom! We’ll have a Google classroom where I’ll post class info & messages.

WHEN:

• Tuesdays, 9:00-9:45am EST, April 29-May 27, 2025

• Wednesdays, 2:00-2:45pm EST, April 30-May 28, 2025

COST: $80 - one-time fee

WHAT IS THIS CLASS ABOUT?

During this class, we will explore the many different things we can do with air-dry clay! We’ll work with pinching, coiling, and slab hand-building techniques, spending lots of time getting familiar with air-dry clay’s qualities.

Each day I'll demonstrate a different technique, eg how to make a coil pot, and then learners will use those techniques however they choose. They won't necessarily end up with a finished project at the end of every class period - the great thing about clay it's you can always squish things back up and make something new the next day - and that's fine! The point is for them to become familiar and comfortable with air-dry clay, so they can take it in their own direction. 

Every student's work will be unique, as I will NOT be dictating one super-specific project that we all have to make in exactly the same way (for example, we won't all create a look-a-like butterfly). 

On the last day of class, students can choose to decorate pieces they’ve created in prior weeks, or simply make new ones!

WHAT IS MY TEACHING STYLE?

• I strive for an interactive classroom! I ask questions and value student input.

• I use a document camera to ensure learners see my hands as I am demonstrating, and check often for comprehension.

WHAT WILL LEARNERS DO DURING CLASS?

Our 45 minutes together usually works out to be 5-15 mins discussion/demo; 20-25 mins working; 5-10 wrap-up and sharing.

• I'll demo the day’s technique, using a document camera to highlight my hands working.

• Students will spend around 20-30 minutes working. We'll spend the last few minutes sharing* and reflecting on our work.

  • *Important note about sharing in class: I understand some kids are more shy than others and I have personally experienced what it’s like being pushed to share in class when I didn’t want to, so I never force sharing. I strive to create an environment where learners feel brave/comfortable enough to share when they feel ready!

WHAT ART SUPPLIES DO LEARNERS NEED?

• Bucket of white air-dry clay - Crayola is a good and easily accessible brand.
  NOTE - if you go online and look up “air-dry clay,” you may find multiple listings for things that are NOT the type of clay you need. If it comes in multiple tiny packs of different colors - that is NOT the type of clay you want! It doesn’t work the same way at all!

• A few very simple tools you can usually find around the house, eg a plastic knife, fork, spoon, chopstick

• A cellulose sponge

• Decorating materials, eg:

  • colored pencils

  • some kinds of paint (if your kids already use acrylic paints, those work well - but if your kids have NOT ever used them, don’t start here!). Watercolor is ok for parts of their pieces. So is tempera. Neither are ideal but both can be used.

  • I suggest picking up some “mod-podge” in either matte or gloss finish to paint over the final piece as a finishing touch. If you don’t have it, it’s ok, but it does add a layer of protection for the finished art.

    
    

PARENTAL ADVISORY REGARDING MESS:
PLEASE NOTE: Air-dry clay is a messy medium and can create a lot of dust! In addition to a table covering/appropriate work surface, I suggest short sleeves and/or a smock.

Please reach out to me with any questions....I hope you will join me for this exploration!

GENERAL CLASS REMINDERS: 

• I require student cameras to be on for verification at the beginning of class, and prefer students keep them on as I cannot accurately gauge how well a student is following if all I see is a name in a black box!

• Please ensure no adults appear in the camera view during class. Feel free to sit with your learner, but please adjust your camera so you’re not visible.
  

REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION POLICY:

• I need a minimum of 3 students to run the class.

• If you are registering siblings, each learner must be enrolled separately.

• Should I not reach that minimum, I will let you know within a week prior to class start, and refund your class fee.

• Please understand that with limited class space available, when you register, you are holding a space in the class that another student could fill. As such:

  • Tuition is only refundable if cancellation is received 21 or more days prior to the course start. After that, you’ll get a class credit to use within 6 months towards another class.

  • I do not offer refunds, make-up classes or class credits for missed class sessions.

  • Class recordings will be available for those who miss class (so long as I have already met your learner).

• Please review all of my class policies before registering.