Over the past few weeks, Saklan’s first graders stepped confidently into the role of designers. What began as an exploration of shapes, colors, and feelings grew into a hands-on design project that blended creativity with meaningful self-expression.
The journey began with a close look at the vibrant artwork of artist Ashley Mary. Students noticed how she uses both geometric and organic shapes to tell what she calls “emotional stories.” This idea connected naturally to the book Exactly You: The Shape of Your Feelings, which affirms that emotions have their own colors, movement, and “feel.” Inspired by these ideas, students explored their own inner worlds through mark-making practice, experimenting with patterns, shapes, and color combinations that reflected their personalities and moods.
With these tools in hand, students took on their design challenge: creating a pair of expressive socks that reflected their unique selves. Like real designers, they brainstormed multiple ideas, sketched drafts, and made thoughtful decisions before committing to a final design. Each choice was deeply personal: blue wavy lines to show calm, tree motifs celebrating a love of nature, and playful “glob” shapes from students who see themselves as artists.
Excitement filled the room as students transferred their final designs onto real socks using fabric markers. Through this joyful process, students discovered that art can be a powerful vehicle for self-expression, one that invites creativity, confidence, and connection.
#SaklanCreative #SaklanHandsOn
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