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Hello, Little New-Yorkers! Happy Pride Month! This month, we are celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of being ourselves with some of our favorite books.
One of the many ways we can express ourselves is through the clothes we wear. Casey and his sister Jessie learn this in Sparkle Boy, written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Maria Mola. Casey absolutely loves things that sparkle: Jessie’s glittery nail polish, his Abuelita’s shining bracelets, and most of all Jessie’s shimmering skirt. When Casey gets a skirt just like Jessie’s, Jessie is not so sure a boy should be wearing something so sparkly. Soon, Jessie learns that sparkles are for everyone and that Casey can sparkle inside and out when he’s being himself!
Today we are going to design our own skirts - skirts that make us feel like our best selves! Follow along with the steps below, and don’t forget to join us live at 3:30 pm every Tuesday via Zoom and Friday in-person for our Little New-Yorkers Hello Song, silly games and dances, a craft, and, of course, our read aloud!
Supplies
- Download and print the Sparkle Boy Template
- Something to color with: markers, crayons, pencils, pastels, or a cool combo!
- Scissors
- Glue
* A note on supplies: If you don’t have exactly the supplies listed, improvise! These projects are designed to be versatile, so feel free to use whatever materials and tools you have at home. And if your final product looks different than what you see here, that’s wonderful!
STEP 1: You!
Start by creating yourself! Use the person page of the template to give yourself your favorite hairstyle or hat. What clothes would you like to wear? Will you add a bracelet like Casey’s?
STEP 2: The Skirt
Next, use your coloring materials to design your own skirt, inspired by Jessie and Casey’s sparkling skirts! What color makes you happiest? What color feels like you?
STEP 3: Extra Pizazz!
Choose some of the shapes below the skirt to color. You’ll cut these out to give your skirt some extra pizazz! Will you stick with one of the shapes? Or add all four? Maybe you could create your own pattern too!
STEP 4: Cutting
It’s careful cutting time! Use your scissors to cut out your skirt, and any shapes you would like to add.
STEP 5: Gluing and Designing
How would you like to add your shapes? They could go in a straight line, or be sprinkled on, or maybe placed in a pattern! It’s up to you. Use your glue stick to put the pieces together and design the perfect skirt! Definitely add some glitter if you like!
STEP 6: Gluing
Now it’s time to wear your skirt! Use your glue stick to put on your new outfit!
STEP 7: Done!
You look amazing! And sparkly! How would you feel wearing this skirt in real life?
Remember, the clothes you wear should always make you feel happy; whether you’re a little brother like Casey, a big sister like Jessie, or any other kid around! Thanks for following along! We hope to see you, and your creations, at Little New-Yorkers soon! We’d love to see your artwork - join the conversation and tag us on social media @nyhistory!
Written by Meagan Raker
