An Indiana elementary school found a way to combine creativity and literature to create a beautiful piece of art that encourages children for years to come to be true to themselves.
Students from kindergarten to grade 5 at Sharon Elementary School in Newburgh, Indiana, painted rocks inspired by the book Only One You, written by Linda Kranz. The result was a colorful river of stone just outside the school’s entrance.
The project was the idea of art teacher Jessica Moyes. And while the installment just finished, she’s actually been working on this project for quite some time.
“It was funded by a grant from a local foundation that funds unique projects in our school district,” she tells Scary Mommy. “I applied for this grant and received it earlier in the year.”
Only One You is an inspirational children’s book about a little fish named Adri who is about to explore the ocean for the first time on his own. Before his adventure, Adri’s mom and dad impart to him some valuable wisdom they’ve learned over the years. They did so with the hope that their advice would aid their son on his journey. They remind him, “Always be on the lookout for a new friend,” and “Find your own way. You don’t have to follow the crowd.”
The book also stresses how everyone is unique, and that each of us has something special to contribute to the world. “There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place.”
Moyes shared pictures of her students painting the rocks as well as the final result of their project on the school’s art class Facebook page. Since her posting, the pictures have been shared over 18,000 times and counting!
Both parents and fellow teachers across the country are amazed by the results of the project. Many even said that they plan to petition their local schools to follow Sharon elementary’s example.
Moyes read the book to all of her students. Then each student painted their very own unique rock inspired by the fish in the book using indoor/outdoor glossy acrylic craft paint. Moyes notes that she has about 740 students, enough to create a stunningly beautiful path of brightly colored rocks outside the school’s main doors.
Children grow so much during elementary school, not just physically, but in who they are and will become as people. For some, it’s the beginning of lifelong friendships, but it is also when kids begin to navigate complex social situations on their own. These stones can serve a daily reminder to every student that they are special no matter what and they each have the power to change the world! This art project may use simple materials, but its message is a mighty powerful one.
What do you think of this project? Should other schools follow suit? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below and be sure to share this lovely story with your friends and family.
