Chatham University Summer Music and Arts Day Camp

This summer I had the opportunity to work as an art and ceramic instructor at Chatham University's Summer Music and Arts Day Camp. The camp ran for 6-weeks, Monday-Friday, from June 16th to July 25th. Being my first go at a full-time teaching position, it proved to be as equally challenging as it was rewarding. 

Camp schedule  ran much like that of a schools: 40 minute classes, with 8 periods throughout the day, from 9:20 a.m. -3:45 p.m (Although I was getting there around 8:00 a.m. and often staying until 5 or 6 p.m., while having to sit through Pittsburgh traffic - phew!) . My classroom provided me with adequate space for supplies and student work, ceramic wheels and kilns, and large windows that offered lots of natural light. I taught general art to D2 Campers (1st-2nd grade, an average of 20 students per class - with two councelsors per class who were of tremendous help), and ceramics to D5 Campers (5th-9th grade, an average of 10 students per class). As I quickly found out, both age levels have their pros and cons. 

1st and 2nd graders are wonderfully enthusiastic with endless amounts of energy. It's easy to captivate them with a lively teaching style and absorbing hands-on projects where they learn to apply their own interests and skills. With those high-spirited personalities, they sometimes get off task, or become absorbed in their own worlds or conversations. This gave me the chance to utilize classroom and behavioral management strategies. It wasn't too difficult to redirect attention with shutting off the lights, or a clapping pattern or saying that they would respond to. Regardless of any issues, there is something enchanting about seeing a child's natural endearment and curiousity towards art. 

Teaching ceramics to 5th-9th graders allowed me to instruct at a greater depth, with an older student population and clay being my primary medium. I incorporated both wheel throwing and hand building techniques, referencing cultural and historical practices, while encouraging students to blend their own personalities into my curriculum as well. This age group was more mature (even with many moments of silliness), but weren't always as quick to cooperate when direction was given. Positive reinforcement and a fast paced class helped to keep the students motivated and engaged. Although it is early in many of their artistic careers, I was ecstatic to see students with any amount of ceramic knowledge proudly share and inform the class of whatever tactic or rule they knew about clay. Seeing that spark of intrigue was satisfying as an educator . 

Without a doubt, any moments of pressure, setbacks in the classroom, or profanity shouted in my car while crossing the Fort Pitt Bridge, it was worth while for the life long lessons I have taken away with me from this educational experience. I highly recommend to any educator, artist, or person to put yourself outside of your comfort zone. Enter a class room, whether an instructor or student, and stay flexible, open-minded, and willing to adapt. This will make your transition into any new adventure an effortless one. As my first go at a consistent teaching schedule, I look forward similar opportunities in the future. 

I'd like to say a huge thank to you Chatham University's Program Development Coordinator, Alicia Danenberg, who without her, this camp wouldn't be as nearly as big as a success for both the staff, and the campers. 

For anyone who would like to see more information on the camp, please follow the link below:
https://www.chatham.edu/daycamp/madc.cfm

Thanks for reading!