Written by Jake Keiter and featured in our July 2023 print edition!
Northern Lebanon High School’s Life Skills teacher, Erin Tobias, has recently spearheaded an inspiring project that encourages collaboration and creativity among her special needs students and their peers. Through the project, the students were given the opportunity to design imaginative characters, which were then transformed into plushie dolls and accompanied by captivating background stories, all created by their fellow classmates.
The project aimed to foster an inclusive environment where students from different backgrounds could work together, showcasing their individual talents while collectively achieving a common goal. Under Tobias’ guidance, the Life Skills students let their imaginations run wild as they sketched unique characters on paper, giving life to their ideas and dreams.
Once the character designs were complete, Tobias enlisted the help of a sewing class to transform the drawings into tangible plushie dolls. The skilled hands of the sewing students meticulously brought the characters to life, ensuring that each doll captured the essence of the original artwork. This stage of the project not only strengthened collaboration between the Life Skills students and their peers but also showcased the diverse skills present within the school.
After the plushies were lovingly crafted, they were passed on to the creative writing class, where budding authors weaved enchanting background stories for each character. The imaginative narratives served to complement the unique features and personalities of the plushie dolls, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for both the creators and the recipients of the dolls.
The project brought together students from different classes and backgrounds, allowing them to learn from one another and appreciate the value of teamwork. The collaboration fostered a sense of belonging and acceptance, breaking down barriers and promoting understanding among students. Moreover, the project showcased the talents and abilities of the Life Skills children, highlighting their creative potential and providing them with a platform to express themselves.
Thrilled with the success of the project, Erin Tobias is eager to continue and expand this endeavor in the future. Her long-term vision is to reach a point where these unique plushie dolls can be donated to a children’s hospital in need. By sharing their creations with young patients, the students hope to bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to those facing challenging circumstances.
The project led by Erin Tobias at Northern Lebanon High School demonstrates the transformative effects of collaboration, creativity, and empathy. Through their collective efforts, the students have not only crafted cherished plushie dolls and captivating stories but have also built bridges of understanding and compassion within their school community. As they continue this endeavor and work towards donating these plushies to children in need, their inspiring project serves as a testament to the potential for change when individuals come together with a shared purpose.
