Mrs. Elaine Gum’s crafts classes at Buckhannon-Upshur High School recently traveled to Buckhannon Academy Elementary School to deliver something special: handmade plushies created from first graders’ original monster drawings.
Earlier this semester, students in Mrs. Virginia Hicks’ art class at Buckhannon Academy drew imaginative monsters filled with bright colors, wild shapes and one-of-a-kind details. Those drawings were then handed over to the B-UHS crafts students, who brought the creatures to life using sewing, needle felting and embroidery skills.
When the high schoolers returned to the elementary school with the finished plushies in hand, the first graders were thrilled to see their drawings transformed into soft, three-dimensional creations.
“We had actually done this collaborative project a couple years ago, and it was a great success,” Gum said. “I was inspired by seeing similar collaborative projects where elementary students created a drawing, and high school students created some kind of 3D rendering of the drawing. I teach sewing, needle felting and embroidery in my crafts classes, so creating plushies seemed like a great way for students to showcase these skills.”
The visit included more than just a delivery. The high school students also led an art lesson based on the book “A Beautiful Oops,” which teaches children how to turn splatters, tears and smudges into creative masterpieces. Together, the students worked on turning “mistakes” into art through imagination and problem-solving.
“I think collaborative projects are a great opportunity for teens to take on a mentor role,” Gum said. “Not only are my students showing younger kids what they can achieve if they continue to learn and grow as artists, they are also getting the chance to take on the role of teacher. The ultimate demonstration of knowledge is being able to teach it to someone else.”
“One of my favorite quotes is from Pablo Picasso: ‘Every child is an artist; the problem is trying to remain an artist once we grow up,’” she said. “Children are innately creative. As we get older, we start to question ourselves. Creating artwork based on the creativity of youth reminds my students that art should be fun and doesn’t have to fit within a box.”
Hicks said hands-on learning has become increasingly rare in schools.
“Students learn math online, use iPads to write stories and take tests on a computer,” she said. “There is very little time within the school day to work with their hands. It’s a proven fact that we learn better by doing.”
“In art class we collaborate, discuss, analyze and problem-solve,” Hicks said. “We practice social skills, listening skills and cooperation. Every art project incorporates at least two other subjects.”
The teachers see the partnership as a benefit to both age groups. The project fosters mentorship, builds confidence and encourages patience and empathy. Younger students are inspired by their older peers, while high school students take pride in teaching and creating something meaningful for someone else.
