Teacher Has Her Class Design A 'Memory Dress' For A Creative Classroom Tradition

I have always grown up being creative. It's pretty much what I do. As a child, I drew, made clay sculptures, and taught myself how to dance and sing. So I can't imagine kids not being able to express themselves creatively.

That's exactly what this teacher thought too. Therefore, she came up with an awesome project all her second graders can take part in, and you've got to see it.

Haley Curfman from Oklahoma teaches second graders.

As a teenager, she went to a high school that specialized in art and academics. So creativity is pretty much in her bones. Unfortunately, the school she teaches at doesn't have any art classes.

However, as a good teacher, she tries to instill creativity in her pupils.

Unsplash | Lucas Alexander

So she came up with the most unique art project she can think of and got her kiddos to participate. Wait until you see what it is.

She bought a cheap dress off Amazon for less than $20.

And she let the kids draw some artwork on it. It basically became like a long-term project. It allowed the kids to express themselves artfully in a fun way.

Wow, isn't that the coolest thing you've ever heard of, huh?

I'm so blown away by this idea. She actually came up with the idea after seeing something similar on Pinterest. And this is the second year she's done it with her class.

In 2017, she entered the dress in the county fair.

And the class dress got a blue ribbon. She's thinking of entering the dress again this year. It's such a great keepsake too. Curfman even wears the dress at an annual party at the school.

She typically wears the dress at one of the school's parties.

Then, in 2020, she even created what she calls a "traveling dress" and had students from across the country decorate it. Wow, that's so amazing. Isn't it?

I bet the kids had so much fun drawing on this one too.

Curfman says that it takes anywhere from two weeks to a month to finish the dress. The kids take their time decorating it a little bit at a time.

She also encourages the kids not to ‘X’ anything out.

It teaches them to finish what they started. She likes the kids to follow through with their ideas no matter how silly they are. Aww, what a thoughtful teacher, huh?

So what do you think of this teacher's creative idea?

Do you love it as much as I do? I believe this is the kind of encouragement all young kids need. This teacher ensures that they have plenty of opportunities to express themselves.