First graders recently completed a Valentine’s-themed heart giraffe project! We did a step-by-step guided drawing together, and then students chose their own colors for their giraffes. Each giraffe had heart-shaped spots, and students added red hearts around their drawings to make them festive. One of my favorite parts was seeing students take the drawing and add their own style, making each giraffe uniquely theirs. Many students were proud to share their work with classmates, describing the colors and patterns they chose. The project provided a fun, hands-on way for students to practice patterns, color choices, and creativity, while also encouraging them to express themselves and take pride in their artistic choices.