In a delightful display of creativity, a teacher has initiated a charming tradition where her students decorate a dress each year, and the internet is absolutely enamored. Jessica Thompson, an enthusiastic educator from Maplewood Elementary in Oklahoma, shared her innovative idea on social media, leading to widespread admiration.
“We lack formal art classes, so I make an effort to incorporate creative projects whenever I can,” Thompson explained to Modern Family Blog. Teaching second graders, she also manages a blog focused on educational insights. Coming from a high school with a strong emphasis on the arts, she finds it disheartening that her students miss out on creative expression. Thankfully, Thompson has found a way to integrate this into their schedule in a fun and engaging manner. “I use the dress as an incentive project,” she said. “When they complete their tasks or have a bit of free time, they can draw. I set up a designated area with the dress and fabric markers.”
This year’s creation is a testament to her students’ imagination. “This is my second year doing this, and I aim to make it an annual keepsake,” Thompson noted. She purchases the dresses online for under $20 and uses fabric markers from a local store. Once the dress is completed, she surprises her students by wearing it at a class celebration. Last year, she unveiled their masterpiece at the holiday party, and this time she showcased it during the Valentine’s Day festivities. “I also plan to enter our dress in the county fair again this year so everyone can see it proudly displayed,” she added.
The dress that won accolades last year is a vivid reminder of the creative potential within children. While this isn’t the first instance of a teacher crafting a memory dress with her class, the concept still resonates deeply. “It usually takes about two weeks to a month to complete, with students adding their drawings bit by bit,” Thompson explained. “I encourage them to illustrate things that bring them joy. The only rule is to avoid crossing things out. I teach second graders, and they often want to erase and start over, but I encourage them to stick with their ideas, no matter how quirky they may seem.” This approach has resulted in some wonderfully imaginative designs, including a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man adorning last year’s dress.
As Thompson’s post gained traction, it inspired other educators to adopt similar creative projects in their own classrooms. “Many teachers find it to be a fun and unique idea,” she shared. With arts education being critical for student development, this initiative exemplifies how a simple project can foster creativity and community spirit among students. For those interested in exploring other creative journeys, consider checking out this insightful piece about couples’ fertility journeys. Additionally, for reliable information regarding pregnancy, the CDC’s resources are invaluable.
In summary, Jessica Thompson’s annual dress decorating tradition not only provides her students with a unique outlet for creativity but also fosters a sense of community and pride within her classroom. It’s a beautiful reminder of the impact a dedicated teacher can have on her students’ lives.