At Harrison Park Elementary School, students in grades 3, 4, and 5 recently completed a paper-mâché ‘squishmallow’ project in Mrs. Chistoforetti’s art class. The project aimed to provide students with insights into the role of toy designers at companies like Mattel or Jazware.
Students began by sketching their designs and developing biographies for their squishmallows, fostering both artistic and storytelling skills.
Over the next three weeks, they constructed the squishmallows' structure using three layers of paper-mâché. Following the construction phase, students dedicated two additional weeks to painting and adding intricate details to their 3D squishmallows.
“Through this project, students not only honed their artistic abilities but also gained practical insights into toy engineering and design, fostering a deeper appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship,” commented Mrs. Christoforetti.
4th-grader Raura Meinert dries her structure after painting
5th-graders Arianna Giardina and Delaney Flebotte hold theirs finished squishmallow
3rd-grader Eli Hodge paints his project
3rd-grader Avery Simmons adds some finishing touches
3rd-graders display their finished works of art: (front) Enzo Mastroianni, Vincent Cardamone, Ryan Weishaar, Isabella George, Julia Israel and Sophia Sadosky, (back) Kellan Kiste, Lillian Safin, Jackson Lewis, Brady Lewis, Karissa Kraly, Avery Simmons and Caliana Duddy