Beginning: A young student (or the whole class) notices their teacher’s tattoos and starts wondering why an adult would have drawings on their skin. Some kids might think it's cool, while others may have been told that tattoos are bad or scary. Tattoos are art and a form of self-expression.
Everyone has different ways of telling their story.
Judging others based on appearances is not fair.
Creativity comes in many forms—books, paintings, music, and even tattoos!
Diversity makes the world a more beautiful place

Middle: The teacher shares the meaning behind some of their tattoos—maybe one represents family, another is a favorite book character, and another is a beautiful design they loved. They explain that tattoos are like artwork on skin, just like paintings in a museum or illustrations in a book. The students begin to see tattoos in a new way and start thinking about what kind of art or stories they would want to express.

End: The class embraces the idea that tattoos are just another way of sharing stories and creativity. Maybe the students create their own “tattoos” with washable markers or drawings on paper, designing artwork that represents their favorite things. The book ends with the teacher reminding them that everyone expresses themselves in different ways, and that’s what makes the world colorful and exciting!

The Teacher with Colorful Skin

Mrs. Fortner standing in front of a classroom, her sleeves slightly rolled up revealing colorful tattoos, with curious students looking at her

It was a sunny morning at Maplewood Elementary School. The students of Mrs. Fortner's class were buzzing with excitement. They had heard rumors about their new teacher having colorful drawings on her skin. As Mrs. Fortner entered the classroom, the children noticed her tattoos peeking from her sleeves. Some thought it was cool, while others were curious. A few had been told that tattoos were scary or bad. Little did they know, they were about to learn something special.

The Mysterious Art

A group of children sitting in a circle on a playground, whispering and looking curious

During recess, the class gathered in a circle. They whispered and wondered about Mrs. Fortner's tattoos. "Why would someone draw on their skin?" asked Timmy, scratching his head. "Maybe they're magic!" suggested Emma with wide eyes. "I think they're just like stickers," added Ben. The children decided to ask Mrs. Fortner about them after lunch. They were eager to learn more about their teacher's colorful art.

Curiosity Sparks

Mrs. Fortner smiling warmly at a classroom, with Timmy raising his hand, students looking interested

After lunch, the students returned to their classroom. Mrs. Fortner was writing on the board. Timmy raised his hand, feeling brave. "Mrs. Fortner, can you tell us about your tattoos?" he asked. Mrs. Fortner smiled warmly. "Of course, Timmy," she replied. "Each tattoo has a special story." The children leaned forward, eager to hear more.

A Brave Question

Mrs. Fortner pointing at a tattoo of a flower on her arm, students listening intently in a classroom

Mrs. Fortner began to share the stories behind her tattoos. "This one is a flower," she pointed, "It reminds me of my grandmother's garden." The children listened intently. "And this one," she continued, "is my favorite book character." The students were amazed. Tattoos were like artwork on skin, just like paintings in a museum. They realized tattoos were not scary at all.

Stories on Skin

Emma looking amazed, with Mrs. Fortner nodding approvingly, students thinking about their own stories

The students started to see tattoos in a new way. "It's like having a storybook on your skin!" exclaimed Emma. Mrs. Fortner nodded, pleased. "Exactly, Emma," she said. "Everyone has their own way of telling their story." The children began to think about their own stories. What kind of art would they want to express? They were inspired by the idea.

A New Perspective

Children drawing on paper with washable markers, creating tattoo designs, laughter and creativity in the classroom

Mrs. Fortner had a fun idea for the class. "Let's create our own tattoos," she suggested. The students cheered with excitement. They used washable markers to draw on paper. Each child designed artwork that represented their favorite things. Some drew animals, others drew stars and flowers. The classroom was filled with laughter and creativity.

Creative Expressions

Students proudly displaying their artwork, Mrs. Fortner admiring each piece, a classroom full of colorful drawings

The students proudly displayed their artwork. Mrs. Fortner admired each piece. "Your creativity is wonderful," she praised. The children felt proud and happy. They understood that tattoos were just another way of sharing stories. Diversity made the world a more beautiful place. The classroom was now full of colorful expressions.

A Colorful World

Mrs. Fortner gathering the class, students smiling and nodding, feeling wiser and understanding the lesson

As the day ended, Mrs. Fortner gathered the class. "Remember," she said, "everyone expresses themselves differently." The students nodded, understanding the lesson. "That's what makes the world colorful and exciting," she added. The children smiled, feeling wiser. They learned not to judge others by appearances. Creativity came in many forms, and that was something to celebrate.