Evaluation of workshops

Workshop exploration and Evaluation.

Whilst exploring the possibilities of workshops I could provide for the children of Russells hall school, I noted several important factors regarding time and use of materials.

1.
Children will be provided with SELF DRYING clay. My initial assumption would be to use clay I have experience with myself, but as this clay requires firing and a more experienced approach (so as to not create air bubbles in the clay) Self drying would be more practical and simple.
Self drying clay works in very much the same way as clay that requires firing, however, different qualities include
Being dryer
Being firmer
Drying quicker
Therefore I suggest having a small bowl of water in the centre of tables for children to dip fingers and apply small amounts of water to the clay if it becomes dry or difficult to mould as they are creating their objects.
Otherwise, This self drying clay can be used to create lovely objects which can be taken home and appreciated for many years.

2.
Children should use PVA and other WATER BASED paints and materials. This is for their own safety and causes no harm to skin, or child if swallowed etc.

3.
Due to the windows of time usually formed into one class, each activity must be simple enough to be completed in around a half an hour to forty minute window. after the explanation and research with objectives etc

4.
Found objects should be inspected or provided before hand to ensure their are no dangerous sharp edges or are in any way poisonous or hazardous to health.

5.
Due to timescale, it would be more effective use of time If i were to pre-cut discs of card and other materials for use creating shields. This is due to the fact that harder and more durable materials are surprisingly difficult to cut neatly and effectively without deep concentration and time.
I explored this further by using children's safety scissors which would be available in a school environment. The task was almost impossible.

6.
Using large pieces of brown paper or rolls of paper would require a to more space than a classroom may be primarily set up for.
Therefore, the room would have to be set up in advance.

7.
Time would be required for cleaning up. This wouldn't necessarily be as much of a problem if there was a break directly after class as I can continue to get the classroom back into a fit and tidy state for the next lesson.
On average I would say it would take 5 minutes for children to wash hands, remove aprons and place all tools etc onto trays or into a sink for cleaning.
I would say It would take me another 15 minutes or so to fully clean the classroom and all tools, placing/displaying made items to dry etc.
I could begin this while teachers resumed talking/winding down the events in class?


Overall, Exploring workshops before attempting to engage children in them, was an essential part of my learning.
Elements that I completely took for granted raised problems that i would otherwise have run into at an inconvenient time, ruining the fluidity and completion of tasks in school.
I will therefore continue to explore all the possibilities I can offer in this way, all the while creating and developing visuals to aid children of the stages/visual clues and queues to enhance learning.