Long time no write/speak/read … whatever!

Apologies if you’re expecting some maths related stuff … this is as far away from maths as you can get but I promise you its related to teaching. Anyway, strap yourself in .. grab a cuppa and settle down to read something that may make you laugh, shouldn’t make you cry but will hopefully make you think.

First some background….

Just before the first covid lockdown one of my neighbours started her treatment for cancer and then during the first lockdown my husband became quite ill and during this time we all vowed that when both were “out the other side” we’d sit and share a glass or two. So, just as the nights were getting lighter late spring last year my husband came home from work on a Friday evening and we all decided to have that much promised glass or two together that evening. Well … one thing led to another … and another … which eventually led to one or two rounds of  “baby Guinness” and me calling on my days from when we had the pub and making cocktails. There “may” have been some impromptu singing and dancing but there was definitely a point where I was playing with the dog on the lawn and I fell over … and headbutted the lawn, I’m not proud of myself (!?!?!) and I’m definitely not showing off about it …. those of you that know me well will be aware that this is my MO … I probably only have alcohol 3 or 4 times a year and when I do I swear off it for months or even years. This was one of those nights.

Anyway … the next morning I woke up with a start and remembered that I’d an appointment. My husband had bought me a pottery “experience” for Christmas and today was the day. So running late … I dressed, jumped in the car, stopped at the garage for some chocolate and Red Bull and turned up to a local pottery. We introduced ourselves around the room and I pre-empted how shit I was likely to be at making anything as I introduced myself : “My names Mel and I have the worlds worst hangover”. I then spent the next hour or so playing with clay. Returning home shortly after finishing I went straight to bed and resurfaced a while later … looking in the mirror I could see that my face was swollen from falling over and I’d been wondering all day why I felt sore!  Asked by my husband how it went, my response was that I’d enjoyed it but probably should do it again when I’m not so hungover … My recollection was that the pot I’d made was OK … imagine my horror and embarrassment when several weeks later I returned to collect my “pot” … its hysterical and would probably only hold 3 “small” olives!!  … its not even straight … and this was my BEST attempt of the day!

It would have been easy to leave it at that. It would have been easy to just say “I’m shit at pottery” and never touch clay again … the thing is its not something that I thought someone like me would ever get involved in, I knew nothing about it, have never known anyone that’s done it … it was all very “Margot” from The Good Life (not a topical reference I know!!) and I’m definitely more “Barbara”. I’ve always been a bit of a workaholic and so have never had a hobby as such (Oh I’m able to knit and crochet but when I do that its with a purpose of making something for someone I care about!) and so thought I need to have another go …

I found another local pottery (yes I was too embarrassed to return to the first one!) who ran taster sessions and along I popped one Saturday afternoon. I went first as we introduced ourselves and said why we wanted to learn about pottery. I told my tale about my hungover session and as the rest of the attendees introduced themselves one of the women started by saying ” I met Mel at the session she’s mentioned and can confirm she was hungover” … we all laughed but a little part of me was worried I was quickly running out of local potteries where I could embarrass myself. As it turned out I couldn’t have found a better place than The Ceramic Studio in Ettington (waves to Layla and Gaye who are amazing and so motivational!!) The session went well and was hooked. I quickly booked onto a series of skills courses and am pleased to say that I have made some progress since then.

Whilst I was away in October with a friend (my husbands passport didn’t arrive back in time but that’s another story) he built me a log cabin in the garden and then for my birthday this year (it was a biggie!) he bought me a kiln instead of taking me away somewhere exotic which was always the plan we’ve spoken about (and saved for!) for years. I am very lucky to be able to do some deliberate practice without any pressure of failing. It’s ok as I can just reclaim the clay if it doesn’t work. In fact, I reckon I’ve recycled more than 99.9% of what I’ve ever made. I have been able to build up discrete skills and move on to different (not necessarily always tougher) skills over a period of time. The phrase about “not knowing what you don’t know” is very pertinent and every time I learn about a new technique or area of ceramics it opens up a door to a whole new area to learn about. I’m excited.

Today I went out into my “shed” and played with clay. I got to thinking about how pottery is actually very “mathematical”! Or at least it is to me in the way that I “see” maths … to me if I was asked to describe maths I would respond that its a language entwined with a massive decision/process/knowledge tree that can be navigated to solve problems and answer questions. I was also thinking how amazing the process of learning something new has been and got to thinking about squaring up the process with how kids learn stuff in schools … there are some massive differences I know. The main one being is that I “want” to learn something new … it’s not being forced on me but putting that aside the process of learning has been very similar. Throwing pottery can be broken down into “steps” … each one distinct from the next but the sum of ALL the steps together produces something that is bigger and better than each step alone. Each step is important in its own right and failure on any one of the steps has an impact on the final product. Being able to throw something to completion on one particular day is no guarantee that it will be the same the next day … it can very much feel like taking a step backwards sometimes. The thing that’s made the difference is knowing that I have to get back on the wheel and try again when it doesn’t go to plan and now looking back after 6 months of practice my earlier struggles seem so minor compared with the struggles I’m facing now with new shapes, or glazes and firing. I have so much to learn and that’s not scary or daunting.

I’ve not really thought about it until recently but putting myself in the position my students face when sat in front of me learning new stuff has been so rewarding.  I’ve needed this to remind myself what it’s like as it’s probably 25 years since I had a sustained period of learning a new skill … (I’m excluding the fake exercise we did as part of the PGCE where we had to document learning something new where most people made up some shiz about learning to use some online geometry software or some nonsense and how frustrating the process was).  It’s made me reflect about the importance of understanding how we learn and how important perseverance is. I’ve also been thinking about the role we have as teachers makes a massive difference and I’m lucky to have found two people who are excited about the progress I’ve made … this will sound very sad, but I want to improve to make them proud of me.

I know I have referred to the process with my students and they seem to appreciate that whilst it’s not maths I’m learning I’m going through a similar thing to them. It’s not easy but the sense of accomplishment is so very rewarding and I want them to get that buzz too. It’s almost addictive. Try it … challenge yourself to learn something new you’ve always wanted to do!

I will leave you with todays accomplishment (it’s not perfect but will definitely hold more than 3 olives! and yes … pottery with terracotta is very messy!) … it shows how far I’ve come and seeing that progress is important as it will be for students too in their learning journey.