Teaching My Lesson in High School

So I finally did it. I taught my lesson at NFA on my very last day of field work. In order to fit in with the curriculum that they were already working in, I had to form a lesson around the project that would be coming up next. Initially it would've been ideal to introduce them to this project but due to all the crazy weather that has been occurring this semester, school was cancelled on the day I was to do my lesson and the students had to move on before my next visit. After some VERY last minute tweaking with my mentor teacher, we worked out that I would teach them moreso with a huge demo. So for the class period that I had with the sculpture students, I got to draw on my experiences this semester from ceramics. I taught the class how to wedge clay, the importance of it, how clay works, it's makeup, clay memory and all that god jazz. I was afraid that the students would be all "pshh whatever. Like you matter anyway" especially since my mentor had to go to his office and pretty much isolate himself from the class while I taught. I was petrified. 5 minutes in however, all of my fear was gone. Why? Well the students all were legitimately engaged. I mean eyes right on me, the talkers of the class were dead silent and paying attention, asking inquisitive questions and all. The art kids that were usually all about making were for once the talkers but when I called them out on it, they quieted themselves quickly and played along with my lesson as well. Overall, at the end of the day I felt highly successful. More successful than I ever felt in elementary ed that's for sure. Although I miss the collaborative effort that I had in C&I with Zoe a great deal, this was an experience to remember... and I know I will.