Mrs. Libby Stevenson, our elementary and intermediate art teacher, is inspiring creativity and collaboration with an innovative project for her 2nd and 3rd-grade students. In partnership with Lansing's Ten and Two Coffee, students are designingwinter-themed coffee sleeves as part of their art curriculum.
This project aligns closely with the district's Strategic Plan, fulfilling two key initiatives:
Whole Child Approach to Learning: By engaging in this real-world art project, students are exposed to career-relevant skills, and the project provides a meaningful introduction to the graphic design process.
Collaboration and Communication: Partnering with Ten and Two Coffee not only builds community ties but also introduces students to the possibilities of creative careers, emphasizing the value of teamwork and the impact of local businesses.
Mrs. Stevenson brings expertise from her prior experience working in a graphic design studio and is thrilled to introduce students to the field.
The students follow a six-step process, mirroring real-world graphic design workflows:
Brief
- Understanding the project details and design expectations.
Brainstorm
- Generating winter-themed ideas as a class and refining concepts to fit the brief.
Sketch
- Developing individual designs for their coffee sleeves.
Critique
- Engaging in one-on-one discussions with Mrs. Stevenson to refine their work.
Revisions
- Making adjustments to their designs before finalizing.
Completion
- Decorating two matching coffee sleeves—one to keep and one to donate to Ten and Two Coffee.
As an added bonus, Ten and Two Coffee is generously offering a free hot chocolate to any student who brings their extra sleeve to the coffee shop before December 24th.
This project illustrates how the district's Strategic Plan is brought to life through lessons that develop career skills, encourage collaboration, and enhance community connections, all while nurturing the creativity of our students.
