[Woodcarver] Children's carving class

[Merrilee Johnson]

How great to be able to teach carving in an actual classroom!  A couple of years ago I became the ART TEACHER was asked if I wanted to carve in my class and of course I said YES! to 12 that I choose.  Well, that got shot down. And with 30 in a room I don't think I can come up with enough volunteers - not to mention tools - to help out.  So I don't at school but in the past, when a child has asked about wanting to learn how to carve I have invited then into my home to learn.  It is usually fantastic!  And their enthusiasm is wonderful.  I haven't had any kids for about a year but one of my students asked this week if I could teach her to carve.  After talking to her mom - we are starting next week.  (I think I might be as excited as Emma!)  Kids are so great to work with because they sometimes have no fear on what they "can't" do and will try anything.  It's great!  I have even grown as a teacher when trying to explain what they need to do on their carving - exp when its not something I don't do well or like to do (in the round characters)  Try it you'll like it!
Merrilee


From: Thomsons44 at aol.comDate: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:50:13 -0400To: woodcarver at six.pairlist.netSubject: Re: [Woodcarver] Children's carving class

heh there Karen---good on you !!!---I would like to address your mandate as will a lot of other carvers----- (1)we have been teaching the basics of relief carving to 20-30 grade 8 students---ages 12-13 for each of the last 5 yrs as part of their actual school day(2 1/2hrs) once a wk for 3 mths---(2) I was fortunate enough to have a private donor provide funds to buy 24 sets of flexcut(F 310--set of 5)--- (3)informed consents regarding the program and the carving teachers was sent to each parent for return with 100% compliance---(4)a surcharge of $ 20 per parent was received to cover basswood blanks --gloves and antislip mats--- (5) from a collection of 30 different pictures(mine) each student chose their own project to relief carve which they traced onto the blank eg. Danby's goalie--Drurer's praying hands--a ballerina etc (6) the student's regular teacher was in attendance thruout to provide discipline continuum---- (7)-- 5 other carvers from the Ontario Woodcarvers Association were present to provide instruction /supervision (8)-- at the end of each program 5 carvings were chosen by the students(anonymous) and by the teachers to enter our annual carving competition and then displayed in the school as winners (9) after each years session  a simple quality control ? aire was given to each student to answer anonymously and the very positive response was such that it encouraged us to continue this type of outreach----I hope these little comments are helpful and dont hesitate to "E" me if you have any  ?'s---warm regards and good luck with your effort---Hugh Thomson(aka skincarp)
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