Elementary education is not only about reading textbooks and participating in school projects. While these things are important, it's essential that teachers prepare their students for upcoming life challenges as well. And probably no one could have done it better than Sharon elementary school in Newburgh, Indiana.
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Inspired by the book Only One You by Linda Kranz, art and crafts teacher Jessica Moyes has created a wonderful schoolwide art project with a powerful message that has already received nearly 50,000 shares on Facebook.
Only One You is a children's book about Adri, a tiny fish who is preparing to explore the giant ocean on his own. His parents prepare him for the journey by reminding him to "Always be on the lookout for a new friend," and encourage the little fellow to find his own way, regardless where the crowd is heading. The inspirational book emphasizes that we're all unique: "There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place."
Moyes has been working on the painted rocks project for some time now. "It was funded by a grant from a local foundation that funds unique projects in our school district," the teacher told Scary Mommy. "I applied for this grant and received it earlier in the year."
Moyes read the book to all of her students. Later, each of them did their own unique rock art inspired by the fish in the book, using glossy acrylic craft paint. Moyes says there are approximately 740 colorful paintings on the rocks outside the school. It's a brilliant way to combine creativity and literature to create beautiful rocks as pieces of art that also encourages the students to be true to themselves.
More info: Facebook (h/t: scarymommy)
Every single student at Sharon elementary school was asked to color his unique individual stone
The stones were then put together to form a path outside the school
Inspired by the book Only One You, this project aimed to encourage students to stay true to themselves
Only One You is a children's book about Adri, a tiny fish who is preparing to explore the giant ocean on his own
His parents prepare him for the journey, encouraging to find his own way, regardless where the crowd is heading
The inspirational book emphasizes that we're all unique: "There’s only one you in this great big world"
Initiated by teacher Jessica Moyes, the beautiful project reached almost 50,000 shares on Facebook!
