Like the pottery they created, second graders and high schoolers created new forms of friendship and understanding in the classroom of art teacher Linda Burgard on April 9. Burgard’s ceramics and sculpture classes gave Dee Manning’s second graders from Elrod School a crash course in clay. “There’s no better way to learn about something than to teach it,” said Burgard. “After this experience, the students will have a greater appreciation for the information that I present.” The second graders weren’t the only ones learning to sculpt. The FHS students benefited from the experience as well. “The kids are so interesting,” said sophomore Kristin Skinner. “They like to let their imagination flow. When I sculpt, I try to learn as I go and to not be afraid to be myself like they do.” “They come up with so many things that I wouldn’t have thought of normally,” said senior Erin O’ Connor. “It makes me want to try new try different methods.” So what are these elementary-school artists going to do with their creations? “I’m going to make a cigarette box for my grandpa when he comes to visit,” said Trisha Lowen “I’m going to put candy in it (my dish),” said Heather Schwarzrock. “I’m just going to put mine on a shelf in my room,” said Reid Buckley. But more than the sculpture itself, the most important thing taking shape because of this exchange program was a new understanding between participants. “I wasn’t looking forward it because I don’t get along well with children,” said sophomore Christopher Fredericks. “After helping them learn to sculpt I think they’re okay.” Said second grader Lucas Kirkland: “I used to think they (high school students) were scary. I don’t anymore.” |
