Lakeside Pottery Instructor Guide
Version 3.0 February 10, 2010
COPYRIGHT Lakeside Pottery LLC COPYRIGHT and linking policy details
Table of Content:
I. Adult Beginners or Intermediate Class
1 ) Administration First Session
2) Studio Tour, Process and Procedures First Session
3) Teaching
4) Last Session
5) Other Responsibilities
II .Children Class
1 ) Administration First Session
2) Studio Tour, Process and Procedures First Session
3) Teaching
4) Last Session
5) Other Responsibilities
III. Open Studio Management
IV. Instructions For Closing The Studio
V. Lakeside Pottery Pricing Guide
I. Adult Beginners or Intermediate Class
1)
Administration First Session
a.
Name tags
b.
Review student's information sheet (located in the class folder)
i.
Read comments
ii.
Those who did not fill a registration form have them fill it in
iii.
Collect balance due (check or cash)
c.
Collect missing e-mail address. Explain that monthly newsletter is e-mailed
d.
Distribute 10 Open-Studio hours card to all students and explain that it is good only through the 8-week class duration and it is not transferable. Additional hours can be purchased.
e.
Give tool-sets to those who paid for them (see student information sheet)
f.
Describe the objectives of the first class and the whole 8-week program
g.
Explain that missing classes can be exchanged with open studio time but only through the 8-week program duration
h.
Introduce yourself and provide some background information about Lakeside Pottery
i.
Have each one introduce themselves including what kind of pottery experience they have and a bit about who they are and what they do. Also ask why they are here and what expectations they have.
2)
Studio Tour, Process and Procedures First Session
a.
Safety, safety, safety (e.g., we had a person losing a whole nail in the slab roller!)
b.
Explain the studio flow and purpose of equipment (extruder, slab roller, wheels, kiln, wedging table, recycling bin)
c.
Explain the firing fees process and train them to do it themselves.
d.
Point to the students where there greenware shelve area is
e.
Explain that thrown clay is left uncovered with a note that include name and class date/time and point out the extra service we provide by removing from the bat, covering and storing the work when it is “just right” for trimming. Cleaning a few bats once in while would be nice!
f.
Explain that ALL work must have a name (not initials) and date (including month). We dispose work that is left be those who did not sign for another round of classes - without having name/date on each pot, we can't locate the owner and call them to pick up prior to disposal day.
g.
Explain that fresh clay is recycled on the wedging table and dry or slimy clay is recycled in the recycling bin insuring that no paper or other objects are included
h.
Request that sandpapering bone try greenware or bisque is done over the sinks or on a table where it can be cleaned when done.
i.
Explain where bisqued work can be found, where glazed work is placed and when finished work can be found.
j.
Be clear with clean-up expectations (including wheel, floor, walls, glazing area and a few bats once in a while)
k.
Ask them to bring a towel (the studio towel is to dry water not for cleaning clay). Encourage them to use the towels and not paper towels.
l.
Office and kiln room is off limit to students
3)
Teaching
a.
As far as basic techniques, shapes and forms, use your own judgment and style. Make sure that you demonstration pots are within the student's achievable abilities. Increase demonstration size and difficulties as the students develop but always within achievable demo.
b.
Talk a bit about clay history, the firing process, the difference between different firing types
c.
Remember that we advertise teaching the wheel and hand building. Cover the full spectrum (extruder, slab roller etc., in addition to the potters wheel).
d.
Please demonstrate something new EVERY class
e.
In a class where new students and repeat students are mixed, focus on the new students on the 1st and possibly the second class. Explain up front your intention to initially work more with new students.
f.
Teaching is required to be structured with the end objective in mind (as oppose to hang around, have a small talk and help a student when asked). Remember that if anyone is unhappy or not satisfied with the program they get their money back (did not happen yet!)
g.
Must work with students one-to-one. Scan the class room often and hand-hold those students that struggle or behind.
h.
Spend more time with instructing glazing techniques and the difference between under glazing, dipping and brush-on glazes.
i.
Explain that over glazing and a short clearance from the bottom of the pot can damage students work and the kiln. We do not use stilts glaze from bottom and ¼" above the bottom must be thoroughly cleaned. Inspect EVERY glazed item before put on the shelf.
a.
Explain that the most common mistake in dipping is not counting the proper dipping time or not mixing it well. We have most problems with applying too much glaze in particular with dipping. Total dipping time should not exceed 5 seconds.
j.
Explain that pots with glaze on the bottom or too close to the bottom will NOT get fired (will damage the item and the kiln shelf)
h. Typical 8-week programs is as follows: wk1 and 2 - wheel, wk3 - trimming, wk4 - wheel, wk 5 - handbuilding, wk 6 - wheel, wk 7 - glazing, wk 8- finish up
4)
Last Session
a.
All Greenware shelves must be emptied
i.
Recycle unpaid greenware
ii.
Bisqued items to be taken home
iii.
Returned students can leave their greenware in the open studio rack marked clearly with the current class date and time (e.g., Tue 7PM)
b.
c.
All unclaimed greenware will be recycled before the start of the next 8-week program
d.
All unclaimed bisque will be disposed 2-4 weeks after the class ends
e.
All unclaimed finished/glazed pots, will be disposed 3-5 weeks after the class end.
f.
We do not call to remind people pots in the studio, however, if one has unique circumstances, items can be kept a little bit longer if requested in advance.
5)
Other Responsibilities
a.
Instructor must sign the firing slips only after paid. Unsigned slips will not get fired. Write cash on firing slip if paid in cash
b.
Place paid greenware (leather hard or dry) with the signed slip in the pot In the kiln room shelves. If kiln room is too hot, place wet greenware in hallway shelves.
c.
Do not assume Patty or Morty are in the studio - please be on time to open the door for students at least 10 minutes prior to start of class. If can't for some reason, call us (home: 203-595-6525, cell: 203-912-5054, studio: 203-323-2222)
d.
If last in studio, please follow the Close Down instructions below.
e.
Leave a note on the desk with any glazes (or any other supplies) that are almost finished so that a new supply be ordered
f.
Replace paper towels in dispenser if finished but encourage students to use the regular towels near to sinks (more towels are in the bathroom closet; dirty ones go in the hamper)
g.
Please park outside of the parking lot to give first priority to students and the next door business customers
h.
You can make and keep your own work including free firing as long as it is part of the teaching process and within reason (we'll leave it to your judgment)
i.
If your style encourages coffee / cookies, please make sure that the coffee table thoroughly cleaned at the end of the class
j.
NO MEALS during open studio time. If a student / potter is really hungry, eat at the coffee table or at the office for staff members.
k.
Music selected must be soft music to set the proper mode (no news, no sport games please)
k. Leave all notes written clearly in notebook (students issues, material to order, etc.). If able to pick up a ringing phone, please write the message in notebook with date, name, telephone number, and reason for calling
II. Children Class
2)
Administration – First Session
a.
Name tags
b.
Review student's information sheet (located in the class folder)
i.
Read comments
ii.
Those who did not fill a registration form have them fill it
iii.
Collect balance due (children class fee includes all firing fees)
c.
Collect missing e-mail addresses from parents. Explain that monthly newsletter is e-mailed
d.
Give tool-set to those who paid for them (see student information sheet)
e.
Describe the objective of the first class and the whole 8-week program
f.
Introduce yourself and provide some background information about Lakeside Pottery
g.
Have each one introduce themselves including what kind of pottery experience they have and a bit about who they are. Also ask why they are here and what expectations they have.
3)
Studio Tour, Process and Procedures First Session
a.
Safety, safety, safety (we had a person losing a nail in the slab roller!). Can't use any equipment without an instructor permission, no running, no water dripping (can slip), can't leave the facility without a parent or a guardian, If parents are late, can't leave the child alone,
b.
Explain the studio flow and purpose of equipment
c.
Point to the students where there greenware shelve area is
d.
Explain that thrown clay is left uncovered with a note that includes name and class date/time
e.
Explain that ALL work must have a name (not initials) and date (including month).
f.
Explain that fresh clay is recycled on the wedging table and dry or slimy clay is recycled in the recycling bin insuring that no paper or other objects are included
g.
Explain where bisqued work can be found, where glazed work is placed and when finished work can be found.
h.
Be clear with clean-up expectations (including wheel, floor, walls, glazing area).
i.
Ask them to bring a towel (the studio towel is to dry water not for cleaning clay). Encourage them to use the towels and not paper towels.
j.
Office and kiln room is off limit to students
k.
Tool-sets stay in studio in their allocated shelf until the last session
4)
Teaching
a.
As far as basic techniques, shapes and forms, use our children template portfolio Any new projects need to a discussion with patty and Morty 1st (e.g., kiln space issues)
b.
Talk a bit about clay history and the firing process
c. Typical 8-week programs is as follows: wk1 and wk 2 - Handbuilding, wk3 - wheel, wk4 - glazing, wk5 and wk6 - Handbuilding, wk7 - wheel, wk8 - glazing (no trimming)
d.
Teaching is required to be structured with the end objective in mind.
e. All children wheel work is to be undercut by instructor properly to avoid the need to trim later and moved to a board for drying prior to end of class
f.
Insure the students smooth the sharp/rough edges before Bisquing. If they can't or did not, please do it for them.
g.
Students can't make sharp items or items that look like a weapon
h.
Pay attention to the quality of work and not quantity (e.g. through holes made properly so that glazes will not block them).
i.
Give them the option to use glass they love the end results.
5)
Last Session
a.
All Greenware shelves must be emptied
i.
Greenware will be recycled
ii.
Bisqued items taken home
iii.
Returned students can leave their greenware in the open student rack marked clearly with the current class date and time (e.g., Tue 4:15PM)
b.
Students that are not coming back the next session and would like to glaze their bisqued items, can come during open studio hours at the published open studio rates and must be accompanied with an adult.
c.
All unclaimed greenware will be recycled before the start of the next 8-week program
d.
All unclaimed bisque will be disposed 2 weeks after the class ends
e.
All unclaimed finished/glazed pots, will be disposed 3 weeks after the class end.
f.
We do not call to remind people pots in the studio, however, if one has unique circumstances, items can be kept a little bit longer if requested in advance.
g.
Handout the Last Session note to all student's parents and make sure they take their toolsets home
6)
Other Responsibilities - Same as adults classes above
III. Open Studio Management
Bartering Agreement: For every hour you manage open studio, you accumulate $20 to be used for at Lakeside Pottery - Firing fees or open studio time. Bartering Money can not be applied to classes or workshops. All bartering / time management is done by you using the honor system.
1)
The open studio members needs always the first priority. Cannot do any own work during open studio time.
2)
When an open studio member comes in, ask for their card, write the time and keep it in the office. Before they leave, add the time used and cross of the proper number of hours.
3)
They can purchase a new card or pay by the hour. See cost information posted on the wall or below.
4)
If someone call to register for classes, explain about our program (look at the brochure) and take a detailed message including e-mail address (they'll get our newsletter). Refer them to our web site as well (www.lakesidepottery.com)
5)
Pick up the phone when it rings and take messages. If important, have them call my cell phone (203-912-5054) or my home number (203-695-6525)
6)
Place paid greenware (leather hard or dry) in the kiln room shelves. If kiln room is too hot, place wet or slightly wet greenware on the finished items shelves to prevent from drying too fast.
7)
Request that sandpapering bone try greenware or bisque is done over the sinks or on a table where it can be cleaned when done to avoid dust in areas hard to clean.
8)
Explain that fresh clay is recycled on the wedging table and dry or slimy clay is recycled in the recycling bin insuring that no paper or other objects are included
9)
Be clear with clean-up expectations (including wheel, floor, walls, glazing area and a few bats once in a while).
10)
Explain that over glazing and a short clearance from the bottom of the pot can damage students work and the kiln. We do not use stilts – glaze from bottom and ¼" above the bottom must be thoroughly cleaned. Inspect EVERY glazed item before put on the shelf.
11)
Ask potters to bring a towel (the studio towel is to dry water not for cleaning clay). Encourage them to use the towels and not paper towels.
12)
Office and kiln room is off limit to students
13)
Leave a note on the desk with any glazes (or any other supplies) that are almost finished so that a new supply be ordered
14)
Replace paper towels in dispenser if finished but encourage students to use the regular towels near to sinks (more towels are in the bathroom closet; dirty once go in the hamper)
15)
You can make and keep your own work but have to pay firing fees.
16)
If your style encourages coffee / cookies, please make sure that the coffee table thoroughly cleaned at the end of the class.
17)
NO MEALS during open studio time. If a student / potter is really hungry, eat at the coffee table or at the office for staff members.
18)
Music selected must be soft music to set the proper mode (no news, no sport games please).
19)
Follow Closing Instructions below before leaving
IV. Instructions For Closing The Studio
1)
Leave the studio clean and organized
2)
Place wheels pedals and stools on top of wheel and shut off all wheel's switches
3)
Place washed water buckets, brushes and bats in their location (not next to the sink)
4)
Place dipping glazes buckets in their location and clean the tops of those who were used
5)
Insure that all the students clay work is consolidated in the middle table with a note that includes student's name and class date (e.g. Michelle Tue 7 PM)
6)
Place all paid greenware to be fired in the kiln room shelves and all glazed items in the Glazed Items shelves
7)
Turn off AC in summer or reduce heat to 55 degrees in winter
8)
Leave messages in note book in office.
9)
Lock front and back doors with upper and lower lock, and insure windows are closed and locked.
10)
Turn off music
11)
Shut off lights
12)
Good night!
V. Lakeside Pottery Charges
|
ITEM |
COST |
COMMENTS |
|
8 wk Children Class |
$360.00 |
Includes clay, toolset & firing fees.
|
|
8 wk Adult Class |
$360.00 |
Includes clay/tools - not including firing fees |
|
Weekly Summer Camp |
$295.00 |
Includes clay, toolset & firing fees. |
B-day Parties (per hour / per person)
|
$45 per person |
Min 8 people and max of 20. Min duration 1 ½ hrs. Including firing fees. Every person over 12, $35 each |
Private Lesson (per hour)
|
$70.00 |
$35 for 2nd person - not including firing fees |
|
Open Studio - 1 hour |
$16.00 |
Includes clay. Does not include firing fees |
|
Open Studio - 10 hours |
$140.00 |
Includes clay. Does not include firing fees |
|
Open Studio - 20 hours |
$240.00 |
Includes clay. Does not include firing fees |
|
Open Studio - 40 hours |
$450.00 |
Includes clay. Does not include firing fees |
|
25 Lb clay |
$22.00 note 1 |
Only studio's clay can be used |
|
Tool-set |
$20.00 note 1 |
See picture below |
|
Firing fees (2 firing and glazing) |
|
See firing cost table. Bisque firing only ½ price
|
|
Custom made pottery – per hour |
$70 |
$70 min. charge per project. Not including firing fees |
Note 1: Add 6% CT sales tax if purchased separately
Checks, cash only. PayPal or credit card is possible with 3% fee
OPYRIGHT Lakeside Pottery LLC COPYRIGHT and linking policy details