Ripping the Runway in Cardboard Shoes: How a Fashion Show Taught Harper Engineering Concepts
Program: After School
A week of hard work led up to it, but, on Friday, Harper and her friends were ready to rip the runway.
At Griffith Elementary in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, the kids in Unleashing Potential’s Afterschool program designed cardboard shoes. And Friday was the Fashion Show where they showed off their designs to their parents.
Harper’s team used cardboard, string and cotton balls. They took turns deciding what to add to their creation. Harper chose the paint color (she chose pink, her favorite) and lots and lots of glitter.
Harper has a non-traditional learning style, so designing cardboard shoes for a fashion show was a great way for her to practice engineering concepts, because she could work with her hands and collaborate with peers.
“I loved getting to see them all get excited,” said Bethani, Harper’s mother – “that they worked hard on something and accomplished it.”
Harper’s time in Unleashing Potential has not only taught her new skills, but also helped her to develop socially and interact with students of different ages, Bethani said. Now she has a whole crew of friends.
“She loves it,” Bethani said. “Sometimes, she doesn’t even want me to pick her up.”
Designing a shoe taught Harper more than just math, measuring, engineering and creativity. For example, it took the group several days to complete it, which required determination and patience. And Harper collaborated with friends, which helped deepen her friendships.
“Everybody was so nice,” Harper said. “And Ms. Krystal taught us about everything we needed to do. She is very kind, and I love her.”
*Actual student/name has been changed to protect child’s identity
