The First Day of Pottery Class

Clio is fifteen years old. Today is her first pottery class at the art center.

She feels nervous. She walks through the door and doesn't know anyone in the room.

Paz, the teacher, waves and points to an empty seat. "Welcome! Sit anywhere you like," she says.

Clio sits down at a table with three other students. They all look busy already.

"Is this your first time with clay?" a boy next to her asks. "Yes, it is," Clio says.

"Don't worry, everyone starts somewhere," the boy says. "My name is Anton, by the way."

Paz shows the class how to shape a small bowl. "Start with a ball of clay," she says. "Press your thumbs into the middle."

Clio tries it, but her bowl comes out lopsided. She looks at Anton's bowl, round and even.

"Mine looks bad," Clio says quietly. Paz walks over and looks at Clio's work.

"Actually, this is a great first try," Paz says. "Everyone's first bowl looks a little strange. That's normal."

Clio feels calm again. She tries again, and her second bowl looks round and smooth.

By the end of class, Clio has three small bowls. Her bowls aren't perfect, but she feels proud.