Students at Clovis East High School learning about new way to make pottery

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- In ceramics class at Clovis East High School the assignment is a struggle-- even with a positive outlook. Thursday's lesson was blindfolded for students to see what it is like to work like the blind.

From junior Michael Dowing's view wearing a blindfold forever unimaginable. The high schoolers are learning about teamwork and how to listen.

"It challenged me to change my teaching style a little more to where it was a lot more verbal," said David Guaglianone, ceramics teacher.

They're also learning what it's like to be like classmates Doua Xiong and his brother Cheng. The teenage siblings are both blind and are learning to adapt to this class and it's not always easy.

"Sometimes it makes me sad that I cannot do it and I lose hope," said Doua.

But for this assignment they're not the only ones facing a disadvantage. A 40 minute class is hardly enough for these teens to make a clay fish.

"For the students to get the sense of this is frustrating, but now I was able to take this off maybe it will give them an appreciation for what they have and empathy for what other people don't have," said Guaglianone.

You see, learning to mold clay in total darkness isn't really the main exercise.

"The people that were sitting at their table, not that they were unfriendly before, but I think they just didn't know how to approach them," said April Pair, teacher.

It's about changing your viewpoint and seeing those that can go unnoticed.

"Whenever other people offer to help me and I complete what I want to do it makes me happy," said Xiong.

Sometimes just looking out for each other makes all the difference.