The kids were very excited to show what they were wearing and to discuss design details. This week at school they're celebrating spirit week with pajama day, backwards and upside-down day, and crazy hair day. Today was cultural heritage day, so one little girl was wearing a Flamenco dress and another was wearing a kimono. We discussed collars, ruffles, stripes, buttons, and pockets. I showed everyone my sketchbook so they could see my first sketch of the Jump Rope Dress, a sample of which Tsia was modelling.
Then we all got busy drawing. I gave everyone basic garment shapes outlined in dotted lines on a sheet of white paper. From there, they all went different directions. The boys designed lots of clothing with spider webs:
Some of the children really enjoyed adding details:
And others added color:
I was amazed at a few of the designs. One little girl who wears a lot of color had some spectacularly vibrant and detailed designs that fit her personality and style perfectly. Two of the children wanted to give me their drawings so I could go home and sew their designs for them. I was sorry to explain that we were just drawing this time, not sewing. And several of the children started cutting out the clothing and making paper dolls for themselves!If you know anyone who would like to make some designs for him/herself, here is a pdf of the clothing silhouettes we used. Have fun!
How cool! I used to work for a small cooperative preschool where parents were super-involved... I had forgotten how nice it is to have parents contribute like that to the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have had a day like that in school. I am and interior designer and a leader with Sparks (Girl Guides age 5 & 6) and one day I had them draw floor plans for their dream bedroom. They are so creative, with little pre-conceptions of what something 'should' be. It made me appreciate the creative side of my job where I use my imagination. Hope your experience inspired you too!
ReplyDeleteNeat-o! This is the kind of thing your daughter will love and remember you for. It's so great that you are able to contribute to her classroom in this way. Thanks for the PDF too! My son is sure to have fun coloring it in.
ReplyDeletewhat a great way to share what you do. and thank you so much for sharing the pdf. i am looking forward to seeing what my boys do with their clothing design attempts.
ReplyDeletethat is so cool, look at that little boy pulling down his blue shirt, off the shoulder dress ideas for you? =)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun! What a great idea. It looked like they had so much fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky class of kids! Tsia must have been hugely proud.
ReplyDeletethanks for the download - my daughter will LOVE designing herself some clothes (as I did when I was a kid). what a fun learning experience for the kids.
ReplyDeleteReally sweet post. I love that you let them design their own clothes, too. How fun!
ReplyDeleteOh to be a child in that class! So much fun!!! I love the pics and I love their designs. How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteoh, my, I'm sure you were a rock star to those kids that day! how fun!
ReplyDeleteNancy, that's the great thing about kids, especially kids in our neighborhood. I'm totally not a rock star--some of them have real rock star parents--and I'm just one of the parents in the group. Which is more than fine by me! It's been a terrific group of families and a very rewarding year for making friendships and watching our kids grow together. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite pictures are the ones where little S is so proud to be in her Mama's arms... clearly (and rightfully) proud of her Mama.
ReplyDeleteI woke up thinking about school for my little kicker--24 weeks pregnant--and worrying. These last two posts have me greatly cheered up. Of course I was already worrying about junior high/middle school, so clearly I have other issues. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so fun! Sounds like the kids had a great time. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing the outlines! My daughter (5) is constantly asking me to draw a person for her and she draws the clothes and hair on. She'll love this!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! I am so often inspired by my 5-yr-old's designs. Thanks for the pdf.
ReplyDeleteAnna
Wow, how fun. I would have loved that as a little girl. Heck, I would love to color those in now. :) Your patterns are the best.
ReplyDeleteso fun! hope you guys are well!!-laura
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