I Have been asked to teach a bonsai class (1 or 2 4 hr sessions) by a hort program girl in a local community college. Anybody out there have a format, supporting files or pics assembled for this that they can share? I know what to do but don't have the supporting stuff. Of course they would prefer for me to have part of the class to have the class have little plants to work on--but I don't know about this. I discouraged about this it but she is persisting that it is wanted.
I Have been asked to teach a bonsai class
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M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
I don't have anything to help you with your class but if I had a chance I would go to one you taught. Especially if it was a Tamarack class.
Geo
Chumono
They should be so lucky. Wish I could attend.
I have taught beginner classes before--believe me, its hard for them not to be a total snooze. i.e. " Hellow children, bonzo is a ancient ninja art. U can buy one at Home Depot. U can channel Mr. Miyagi--wax-on-wax -off. Yes, you can keep them on top of your television set, they like it there."
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
I know it sounds appealing. I have done several demo's for free for NPO's over the past few years. My first suggestion is if they are asking you to do it for free then decline. If they are paying, then you have two ways to go, One they supply plants, supplies, and Lunch or No plants and a different presentation. PM me with a phone number - I can toss what I do at you as recommended by a few pro's and it is all pretty cut and dry. My first suggestion though is either way it cannot be done properly in under 8 hours including breaks and lunch. PM me a phone number, I am free today and most weekdays to call you during business hours. It would be a LOT quicker then typing what I have learned and seen...
Grimmy
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Bro.......
Give em the anti Bonzo class.
Nuff said.
Erase brain of what they thought. 1hr.
Fill brain with Crusty righteousness. 1hr.
Wire anything. 1hr.
Talk about what is right and wrong. 1hr.
Sorce
Give em the anti Bonzo class.
Nuff said.
Erase brain of what they thought. 1hr.
Fill brain with Crusty righteousness. 1hr.
Wire anything. 1hr.
Talk about what is right and wrong. 1hr.
Sorce
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
YOU can totally do this on the fly.
YOU cuz no one else can.
Sorce
YOU cuz no one else can.
Sorce
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
Totally to cool! You got this...just need to get the ducks in a row. I heard Crystal...Grimmy's wife has a duck collection. (All in good jest...you will rock it out of the ballpark)
Crust,
I teach classes with handouts. But, the classes I teach aren't the beginner "go home with a styled mallsai" class.
I could "teach" those, but I let others fall on that sword. I will teach the seasonal work, in the appropriate season. Potting in potting season. No styling, just potting. At decandling time, I teach decandling and needle pulling. When it's winter wiring time, I teach wiring.
For I feel that the timing of the work is equally as important as learning the physical work. And learning to do the work in the right time of the year sticks with them.
I teach classes with handouts. But, the classes I teach aren't the beginner "go home with a styled mallsai" class.
I could "teach" those, but I let others fall on that sword. I will teach the seasonal work, in the appropriate season. Potting in potting season. No styling, just potting. At decandling time, I teach decandling and needle pulling. When it's winter wiring time, I teach wiring.
For I feel that the timing of the work is equally as important as learning the physical work. And learning to do the work in the right time of the year sticks with them.
quietobserver
Omono
I'd troll youtube for ideas. Wide range of videos there. Could be like everyones favorite teacher from back in the day who rolls in the TV, rolls the video and hits the lights. Finish up explaining the wonder of makasuni and akadama.
Vin
Imperial Masterpiece
Here's my thoughts for what they're worth: I would first ask if the class is part of the curriculum or is it students that just want to learn about bonsai. For me, that would make a big difference on how and what is taught. Either way, I would spend the first hour or so on what bonsai is and what it isn't. You will have to engage and not lecture them. As a thought, you may want to start off by showing that short video Ryan did on Nat Geo about the Artisans Cup. After watching that you should be able to get a feel for your audience.
Think back to what it was like for you when you first got into the art. Yes, you know it all now (just kidding) but what did you need the most guidance with early on? With only 8 hours, I wouldn't move past the basics or you'll be doing them a disservice. I would have plenty of examples set up for every one to talk with you about, during breaks and such. Maybe do a repot and prune on one tree so they get a feel for what to do. Then, for those that are interested and with the program directors consent you can offer your services up for more classes. (for a fee of course)
Just my thoughts..
VIN=Masterpiece!Here's my thoughts for what they're worth: I would first ask if the class is part of the curriculum or is it students that just want to learn about bonsai. For me, that would make a big difference on how and what is taught. Either way, I would spend the first hour or so on what bonsai is and what it isn't. You will have to engage and not lecture them. As a thought, you may want to start off by showing that short video Ryan did on Nat Geo about the Artisans Cup. After watching that you should be able to get a feel for your audience.
Think back to what it was like for you when you first got into the art. Yes, you know it all now (just kidding) but what did you need the most guidance with early on? With only 8 hours, I wouldn't move past the basics or you'll be doing them a disservice. I would have plenty of examples set up for every one to talk with you about, during breaks and such. Maybe do a repot and prune on one tree so they get a feel for what to do. Then, for those that are interested and with the program directors consent you can offer your services up for more classes. (for a fee of course)
Just my thoughts..
Vin
Imperial Masterpiece
I wish Brother, I wish..
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
Then you'll be Poink89!C'mon Vin!
I'm taking BVF and Judy by next week,
Smoke and Vance by July,
And I'm retiring at 8,969!
Sorce
0soyoung
Imperial Masterpiece
IMHO,
Horticulturalists think mostly about species: how to grow, how it grows, and (maybe) why it grows the way it does.
Bonsai-ists think mostly about manipulation - how to make it grow the way they want and which species are amenable to what they want to make.
Horticulturalists don't think much about repotting (into the same pot) nor do they think much about how to maintain a small tree's size. Backbudding and ramification aren't part of their vocabulary. They've heard of Thimann-Skoog. Bonsai-ists, on the other hand, have never heard of those two guys.
Horticulturalists think mostly about species: how to grow, how it grows, and (maybe) why it grows the way it does.
Bonsai-ists think mostly about manipulation - how to make it grow the way they want and which species are amenable to what they want to make.
Horticulturalists don't think much about repotting (into the same pot) nor do they think much about how to maintain a small tree's size. Backbudding and ramification aren't part of their vocabulary. They've heard of Thimann-Skoog. Bonsai-ists, on the other hand, have never heard of those two guys.
Bonsai Nut
Nuttier than your average Nut
I am sending you some files to your email address on your account...
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
The Nut's files will be of great assistance. If you are going to use trees there are a couple of ways to go about that one. You can agree on something and order them. You can take the class to a nursery and help them select an appropriate tree, or trust in them to do that on their own. It is difficult to do something like this without hands on experience. If you are going to do the tree thing I would suggest a Ficus and a Procumbens Juniper. I would suggest giving them both. You should be able to order some good material or do the nursery thing.
GGB
Masterpiece
Passion can't be faked. your excitement will be contagious / electrifying. Pine pruning seems to be it's own beast
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