An elementary school in Indiana has become a viral sensation after showing off its touching and unique art project.
At Sharon Elementary School in Indiana, one teacher has garnered attention for her creative and uplifting art project. Borrowing from the sensational kids’ book Only One You, Sharon Elementary’s K-5 kids painted unique colorful rocks to show off their true colors. Now complete, the rocks create a beautiful pathway in front of the school as a wonderful reminder that everyone is their own special person.
The art project, while borrowed from the children’s book Only One You by Linda Kranz, was conceptualized by Jessica Moyes, an art teacher at Sharon Elementary School.
Jessica Moyes wanted to create an inclusive art project where children would feel most encouraged to be themselves. Her idea for the project was inspired by the famous children’s book, Only One You. Moyes hoped that this art project would help the children feel cherished for their uniqueness and celebrate their individuality. Thankfully, they were also able to secure funding for the project. Moyes had this to say:
“It was funded by a grant from a local foundation that funds unique projects in our school district,” Moyes told Scary Mommy in an interview. “I applied for this grant and received it earlier in the year.”
The inspiring book, Only One You, is about Adri, a young colorful rockfish who is quickly growing up. Adri’s parents want to share their wisdom with their son before he ventures out in the vast ocean on his own. His parents share timeless pieces of wisdom, such as encouraging their son to, “Find your own way. You don’t have to follow the crowd.” They also tell him that, “There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place.”
The children’s book, Only One You, truly emphasizes the importance of individuality, how to fearlessly be yourself, and also how to respect your loving parents.
In total, Moyes estimated that she has about 740 students who participated in the art project, giving her plenty of beautiful rocks to create her river.
Kranz’s book is filled with colorful and brightly colored rockfish, each one different from the other. After, reading the book to her class, Moyes asked each student to paint their own “rockfish” to create a river of beautiful, unique rockfishes. The students used simple stones and high-gloss acrylic paint. Moyes shared the results of the art project on the Sharon Elementary Art Facebook page, where the post was shared more than 18,000 times.
What’s even better is that this project can be easily recreated at home. With or without the inspirational book, you can still adapt this project into a little craft to do at home or in any classroom.
As long as you’ve got paint supplies and stones, you’ve got yourself an easy and uplifting project that any child can do.
Elementary school is a huge part of every child’s growth and development as they mature into teenagers, and then later into adulthood. We love how this art project imparts the morals of not only being a strong individual but also respecting your parents as they give you advice. This is a wonderful way to adapt this book into a meaningful art project for children to get hands-on with and actively participate. Be sure to check out Sharon Elementary School’s Art page and drop them alike for their creativity!
Thank you to Jessica Moyes for her inspirational art project, and also for sharing this unique story with the world.
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