Second-grade students at Winfield Elementary School recently took part in a unique and enriching assignment—creating self-portraits as part of the South Shore Arts program, "The Skin You Live In." This initiative, supported by Northwest Indiana McDonald’s owners-operators, aims to foster social and cultural connections among diverse communities through the medium of art.
The "The Skin You Live In" program is generously funded by Northwest Indiana McDonald’s owners-operators, enabling South Shore Arts (SSA) to bring this creative and educational experience to numerous children. Trish Hernandez, SSA's Director of Marketing, emphasized the program's mission:
"We strive to create and strengthen connections between socially and culturally diverse communities in Northwest Indiana. Our partnership with McDonald’s will help us share the message of ‘The Skin You Live In’ with numerous children through creative storytelling and the aid of art."
The program is inspired by the book "The Skin You Live In," authored by Michael Tyler and illustrated by Hammond native David Lee Csicsko. The book serves as a cornerstone for the program, promoting messages of diversity, friendship, and social acceptance.
SSA instructor Ellen Maxwell conveyed the program's core message to the students:
"We all are unique individuals. But we do have some similarities also. Everyone can feel good in their skin, no matter what color it is."
Second-grader Kendall Walker, 8, echoed this sentiment, stating:
"Just because someone looks different doesn’t mean you can’t be friends with them. They can be fun, too."
The program has reached ninety second-grade classrooms across Northwest Indiana, teaching children valuable lessons on diversity, friendship, and social acceptance. As part of the session, students selected construction paper that matched their skin tone to create their self-portraits, fostering a sense of pride and individuality.
Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool in education, particularly in teaching complex social concepts. According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, students who engage in arts education are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to win an award for school attendance (source: NEA).
The "The Skin You Live In" program at Winfield Elementary School is more than just an art project; it is a vital educational tool that promotes understanding and acceptance among young students. By integrating art with lessons on diversity, the program helps children appreciate the beauty of individuality and the importance of social harmony.
For more information on the impact of arts in education, visit the National Endowment for the Arts and the University of Arkansas.
This article has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the "The Skin You Live In" program, highlighting its significance and impact on young students. The inclusion of statistics and authoritative sources aims to enrich the reader's understanding of the topic.
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