September 2024 - The art programs across GMSD work to allow students to explore various forms of art, and Ms. Kougher and Ms. Ardrey at Forest Hill are passionate about making sure that all of their students get the experience of working with clay.
Ms. Kougher shared, “It is important to us that each grade level gets to work with clay. Every year it allows them to grow their skills, and it is a very hands-on project that they look forward to.” Each grade level works on a different piece of pottery. Fifth grade students were working on koi ponds, fourth grade students were making birds, and third grade students were working on coral reefs. In Ms. Kougher’s fourth grade class, students began to cheer and express their excitement when they realized they would once again be working with clay.
When sharing what sparked the passion for introducing clay to their students at an early age, Ms. Kougher said, “I actually went to Riverdale. At Riverdale, using clay is a big part of your art education, and the importance of it is something that I have always carried with me. I wanted to make sure that students across GMSD, especially at Forest Hill have that same opportunity of getting to work with clay and see their projects come to life at every stage, and Ms. Ardrey shared that same passion.” A student’s art work will begin as a shaped piece of gray clay, once it dries, it is put in a kiln where it is fired, and once it is completed, students will glaze their piece of art, fully bringing it to life!
We are grateful for our GMSD teachers who allow our students to grow and try new things each and every day. We can’t wait to see these completed works of art!