In a charming initiative that has captured the hearts of many online, a dedicated educator encourages her students to personalize a dress each year with their artwork. This delightful tradition, shared by Lydia Thompson on social media, has gained significant traction, sparking joy and inspiration among fellow teachers and parents alike.
“We lack an art program at our school, so I make an effort to incorporate creative activities whenever I can,” Thompson explained to her followers. As a second-grade teacher at Maplewood Elementary in Arkansas, she also runs a blog focused on educational strategies. Having attended a school that prioritized both art and academics, she feels a deep concern for children who miss out on creative expression. Thankfully, her students benefit from her innovative approach to learning.
Thompson revealed that she uses the dress as a form of incentive. “When students complete their assignments or have some spare time, they can come to a designated table where I have the dress and fabric markers set up,” she shared. This year’s dress showcases the collaborative effort of her class.
“This marks my second year doing this project. I hope to continue it annually as a keepsake,” Thompson said. She sources the dresses from online retailers for under $20 and gathers fabric markers from local stores. Once the dress is embellished, she surprises her students by wearing it at a special class event. Last year, she unveiled the dress during their holiday party, while this year, the big reveal happened at their Valentine’s Day celebration. “I also plan to display the dress. Last year, we entered it into the county fair and won a blue ribbon,” she proudly noted. “I intend to do the same this year, allowing my students to see our creation showcased at the fair.”
The concept of a memory dress created by students is not entirely new, yet it remains an endearing long-term art project. “We usually take about two weeks to a month to work on it, drawing whenever we can,” Thompson explained. “I encourage them to illustrate what brings them joy. One important guideline is that they should avoid crossing out their ideas. It’s common for second graders to want to erase and redo their work, but I encourage them to stick with their original thoughts, no matter how whimsical.” This philosophy is what led to the hilarious addition of a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man on the back of last year’s dress. “That’s what makes these creations so special,” she added.
With the post gaining momentum, it’s likely that similar projects will emerge in schools across the country. “I believe other educators find it to be a creative and enjoyable endeavor,” she noted.
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In summary, Lydia Thompson’s unique tradition of allowing her students to decorate a dress each year is not only a creative outlet for her class but also fosters a sense of community and celebration among her students. This heartwarming initiative continues to resonate with educators and parents alike.