how does john respond to being taught to work with clay? contrast his experience working with clay his mothers description of her work in the other placde

At fifteen, John learned how to make clay pots from one of the older Indians. He embraces the opportunity to learn. Later the same man taught him how to construct bows and arrows. However, John did not receive permission to enter the kiva, a ritual initiation to turn the young boys into men.

"To fashion, to give form, to feel his fingers gaining in skill and power–this gave him an extraordinary pleasure."

I'll need to look further to answer the second part of your question.