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Program In Action

Our Art & Storytelling Book Club for upper elementary students focuses on three essential themes: identity, empathy, and sense of belonging. The following are results from our pilot program at Shrevewood Elementary School in Fairfax County. ​

Principal Testimonial

Joshua DeSmyter is the principal at Shrevewood Elementary School in Fairfax County. 

• We support increased belonging and unity within your school community.
• We support and strengthen the unique vision for your school. 
• We encourage a global perspective that goes beyond your school walls. 

How it Works

Cultured Kids Art & Storytelling Book Club helped students build connections in a fun, and impactful way, and got them motivated to come to school. I just remember how excited they were on book club days.

​Ashley Mangan
Shrevewood Elementary School Counselor
​Fairfax County Public Schools

Program Case Study

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Student Outcomes

PDF 1.8 MB

Art & Storytelling Book Club ​

The Art & Storytelling Book Club pre and post student surveys showed an increase in student interest in themselves, in their sense of acceptance by peers, and an increase in student ability to be themselves at school. 

The strategic progression of activities and carefully chosen literature help students identify and practice using their own unique strengths.

The 5' x 3' mosaic on the left is the result of their final art project. This piece proudly dressed the school lobby for one year until it was redesigned by the next book club.

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Student Feature

An increased sense of belonging helps build a more unified school community. Our programs create a safe place to be vulnerable, practice empathy, and build trust.

Meet Teddy

​Like many 6th graders, Teddy was concerned about fitting in. He recently moved from the country of Georgia to Northern Virginia in 2019. Developing English as a second language made connections harder, but also much more important. 

Understanding the importance peer connections can have on student success, Teddy's school counselor recommended his parents enroll him in the Art & Storytelling Book Club at his school. 
 
Teddy attended every club meeting but was initially hesitant to participate. When COVID spurred the book club to transition onto a digital platform, he found it even more challenging. Like many other children, Teddy felt vulnerable to be present.

"He is scared and nervous because of upcoming projects and group activities in Book Club"

- Teddy's father before book club started

The intimate club setting and group activities initially heightened Teddy's anxiety. As the weeks progressed, the club learned about empathy. Through focused discussions and activities, Teddy began to trust his peers.  

​At the culmination of the program, family members and staff were invited to the final meeting and project reveal. The size of the group doubled and Teddy was surrounded by people he did not know. However, Teddy had developed a confidence that extended beyond the safety net of the club and elected to speak-many times! 
 
When it was safe to meet in-person to put the final art project together, Teddy was there. He was comfortably and collaboratively working alongside his peers in the club.

Teddy working with another club member on the final art project.

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