Frequently Asked Questions,
Answered by The Clay Teacher
Q. Do we come to you or do you come to us?
A. The Clay Teacher brings the pottery studio to your classroom or school. No arranging transportation or other field trip concerns.
Q. Who will instruct at the workshop?
A. There is only one instructor, Cindy Clarke. On some occasions Cindy will be accompanied by her husband Jim Willett who assists with larger class sizes or to aide in smooth transitions between sessions. When you book The Clay Teacher, you get The Clay Teacher. We are a small Edmonton family business, not a franchise. Cindy is, and has been for over thirty years, a clay worker and clay teacher.
Q. What does it cost?
A. Pricing for projects are as follows: $9.00 per student with a minimum charge of $160 per session. If you have fewer than 18 students, you may combine with another class or grade level to reduce the costs. Outside a thirty kilometer radius of Edmonton a reasonable mileage charge will apply. If overnight accomodation is required that will be factored in to cover our expenses. GST is charged on all bookings.
Q. What does the cost include?
A. Set up, clay,75 to 90 minutes of step by step instruction, project removal, kiln firing and project return within three weeks. The kiln fired projects are returned with painting and finishing suggestions and techniques.
Q. Do you teach pre-school or special needs students?
A. Yes. Please discuss your requirements ahead of time with The Clay Teacher.
Q. Are there minimum class size requirements?
A. No, however the minimum charge per class is $160 plus GST. Of course the more you can combine with others, the more economical it is. If you have a very small class and/or special requirements call The Clay Teacher and see what special arrangements can be made.
Q. Does your instruction allow for different aptitudes and creativity?
A. Yes. All projects are hand built by the students.They receive step by step instruction from The Clay Teacher covering many aspects of the curriculum along the way. From conception to the final detail, students apply their own creativity.
Q. Is basic curriculum covered?
A.Projects are designed for various components of the curriculum from K - 6. Special projects are always available by request.
Q. Is my classroom suitable for instruction?
A.It can be, but if more than one class instruction is being done at your school on the same day ,it is much more efficient to use the same room for all classes. During the class desk tops will get clay on them. Cindy and the volunteers will wipe the desks clean following the class. The clay used for elementary projects is "Buffstone" from Plainsman Pottery Supply. It will not harm clothes and as wet clay has no known health concerns. (You can view a pdf of the MSDS here.)
Q. What preparation is required?
A. A room with enough tables and chairs for all students, name tags to assist with communication, a sink or bucket of water, paper towels, and a few volunteers. We bring everything else and clean up after. (See "Preparing for Class", a pdf file.)
Q. Do I need parent volunteers or assistance?
A. Yes, it is preferred for the younger students (under grade three.). Parent help aids with time issues, as well as allowing more actual instruction time from The Clay Teacher. The older children do not typically require as much assistance, but parents and volunteers are always welcome!.
Q. What is the maximum / minimum class size?
A.The maximum class size should be 45 students at a time. Smaller classes, and/or two different grade levels may be combined, providing the different classes are doing the same project.
Q. How long does a class last?
A. Anywhere from 75 to 90 minutes.
Q. What projects are available? Can I request my own?
A. Project offerings will change and/or increase annually, depending on the school board's focus or the projects popularity. Various projects are available to accommodate most special occasions such as Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Christmas, Halloween, Family Day, etc.you can see examples of some of the most popular projects here. Of course you can request a special project and The Clay Teacher will design one to suit your request.
Q. What happens to the projects after the class is completed?
A.The projects are removed immediately following the class and returned to the studio. There then follows up to 2 weeks of natural air drying and 2 full days of kiln firing. The projects are then returned to your school when completed about three weeks after the class date.
Q. When and how do you get paid?
A. A copy of the invoice will be emailed to you approximately two weeks before the class and a second copy will be left with you on the day of the instruction. The cheque can be mailed to the indicated address or we can be paid by direct deposit if your school system prefers.
Q. Do you come back to do the painting and finishing?
A. No. The projects are returned to your school no later then 3 weeks after, fired, bisque white in colour and ready to be painted. Inside the box of returned art will be a sheet with suggestions for painting. Instructions can also be downloaded here.(pdf)
Q. How far in advance should I book a session?
A.With the number of schools in the Edmonton area, and the popularity of The Clay Teacher, special occasions tend to fill up quickly. Remember your project classroom date should be at least four weeks prior to the date you actually require them. This allows time for drying, firing and painting. Projects can always be kept at the school after delivery and brought out just before the date for painting.
Q. How many class sessions can be done in a day?
A. 4 separate instructional sessions can be done per day, providing there is adequate volunteer help. Each session can have as many as 45 students (single classes or classes / grade levels grouped together) . On four session days , and when class numbers are large, Jim accompanies Cindy so you receive two Clay Teachers for the price of one!
Q. How do I book a session?
A. E-mail info@theclayteacher.com or call 780-218-9974 to receive a Booking Request Form. A printable version is also available. Just click here.(pdf)
Q. How far in advance should I book?
A.You should book as early as possible. There is only one Clay Teacher and she can not be everywhere at once .If you are worried about booking too far in advance, don't be. In September, we will contact you to re-confirm.
Q. What clay do you use?
A.The clay used in elementary schools for hand building is "Buffstone" from Plainsman Pottery Supply. The MSDS is available here as a pdf file.
