Students Shine Through Art & Imagination in Festive Winter Projects
Students at Pierce Terrace Elementary School have been busy transforming their creativity into colorful winter artwork, thanks to hands-on lessons designed to build both artistic skill and academic readiness. From handprint holiday lights in Universal Pre-K to imaginative snow globes crafted by kindergarteners and first graders, the PTES holiday tree at the entrance way is now glowing with student-made artwork that reflects joy, learning, and personal expression.
In Universal Pre-K, students put their hands—and math skills—to work by creating vibrant paper lights from their class to add to the holiday tree. Each child used their handprint as a “lightbulb,” connecting numerals to quantities in alignment with a UPK Standard for education. As they counted, matched, and arranged their handprint lights, the young learners strengthened early numeracy skills while contributing to a collaborative, festive display. The tree stands as a bright reminder of how meaningful learning can grow from simple, child-centered experiences.
Meanwhile, kindergarten and first-grade classes embraced winter wonder through a snow globe art project guided by PTES art teacher, Kayla Shouse. The lesson aligned with the National Core Arts Standards, giving students opportunities to explore materials, make artistic choices, and connect their artwork to personal experiences. Students selected details and imagery that reflected their daily lives and winter memories, thereby building both artistic confidence and expressive storytelling skills.
“I love this lesson because it encourages creative expression, exploration of materials, and students learn how to make artistic choices while connecting their work to personal experiences,” said Shouse. She added that one of her favorite parts is watching students react with amazement as the special “magic paint” brings their snow globes to life.
The project also supported visual literacy skills, as students described subject matter within their artwork and chose images that represented meaningful moments. The result: the holiday tree was lined with colorful snow globes—each one unique, imaginative, and deeply personal.
Across grade levels, PTES students demonstrated that learning is at its best when it blends creativity, exploration, and academic standards. Whether counting handprint lights or painting snowy scenes, these young artists are not only celebrating the season—they are lighting up their school with curiosity and pride.
