Strut Down the Catwalk with Students at The Hamptons School
Soon an ordinary study of the Inuit took on a life of its’ own when they took their classes to visit fashion designer Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscope Anamalia exhibit at the Glenbow Museum. The students were inspired to demonstrate their understanding of the Arctic through the creation of wearable art.
Back at The Hamptons School, the design process began. The challenge was: How can such young children design and create at this level?
Students began to ideate and brainstorm. Experts were consulted, design boards were created, prototypes were developed, and hands on designing started. Students began developing skills necessary to become fashion designers. “I learned how to sew for the first time!” said one student. The project took on a life of it’s own. The students tested their designs and fine-tuned up until the end.
When the big day arrived, students glided down the catwalk with flair, style, and most importantly, a sense of pride. Parents were astonished that their children could design and create such intricate fashions. The teachers learned that this project allowed everyone’s formerly hidden skills and talents to be realized!
The chance to participate in CBE’s Design the Shift Institute was invaluable for these teachers and will forever change teacher practice and student engagement in their classrooms.
Cathy Baine, Sarah Byrne, Sasha Gardiner-Hadford and Shannon Oseen are the grade 1-2 team at The Hamptons School.