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Cardboard Houses Offer Comfort to Students

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/31/cardboard-houses-offer-comfort-to-students.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 19:55 GMT by The Advocate
      Locales: Louisiana, UNITED STATES

By Faimon A. Welch - Staff Writer, The Advocate

Riveroaks Elementary School is quietly leading a revolution in how schools approach student wellbeing, going beyond traditional academic support to address the fundamental human need for belonging. While the initial premise - students creating personalized cardboard houses - appears simple, the impact of the "The House Chooses You" program is proving to be profoundly significant, sparking conversations about trauma-informed education and the crucial role schools play in supporting vulnerable children.

When Riveroaks Elementary Principal Kimberly Davis and her team conceived the initiative, they were acutely aware of the increasing challenges facing students both inside and outside the classroom. Rising rates of family instability, economic hardship, and the lingering effects of recent global disruptions have left many children feeling insecure and disconnected. The educators at Riveroaks recognized that academic success is inextricably linked to a student's emotional and psychological wellbeing. A child preoccupied with worry or lacking a sense of safety simply cannot fully engage in learning.

"We started asking ourselves, 'How can we create a consistent source of comfort and stability for these kids? How can we make sure they know, unequivocally, that they are valued and that this school is a safe space?'" Davis explained. "The idea of a 'house' resonated with us because it's a universal symbol of home, security, and belonging. But we wanted it to be something they created, something uniquely their own."

The program, launched earlier this semester, provides each student with a plain cardboard house-shaped cutout. They are then encouraged - and provided with an array of art supplies - to personalize it. Students have responded with remarkable creativity, adorning their houses with drawings of family, pets, favorite colors, and inspiring quotes. Some have pasted in photographs, while others have attached small, meaningful mementos. The resulting creations are far more than just crafts; they are tangible representations of each child's identity, experiences, and aspirations.

Seven-year-old Ava's comment, "It makes me feel safe. I can take it with me everywhere, and it reminds me that I have a place to belong," encapsulates the program's core impact. It's not merely about having a decorated object; it's about possessing a portable symbol of security that can be carried physically or emotionally, providing reassurance during times of stress or uncertainty.

But the benefits extend far beyond individual students. Davis notes a significant increase in positive interactions and a stronger sense of community within the school. Students are readily sharing their houses, discussing their designs, and offering support to one another. The houses have become conversation starters, fostering empathy and understanding. The shared creative activity has also facilitated a more collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to learn from each other and celebrate each other's individuality.

The success of Riveroaks Elementary's initiative is prompting other schools to consider similar programs. Education experts are hailing it as a prime example of trauma-informed teaching - an approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on learning and behavior and seeks to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all students. [ Further research into trauma-informed education can be found at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org/ ].)

The program's relatively low cost and ease of implementation make it particularly appealing. While funding for art supplies and cardboard was initially sourced through parent-teacher association fundraising, Davis is optimistic about securing additional grants to expand the program and offer ongoing creative workshops. She envisions extending the "house" metaphor into other areas of the curriculum, using the concept of building and belonging to explore themes of community, social responsibility, and personal growth.

"We're not trying to solve all of the challenges these kids face," Davis stresses. "But we are trying to create a space where they feel safe, supported, and empowered. Sometimes, the simplest things can make the biggest difference. Sometimes, all a child needs is to know that they have a place to belong, a place they can call home - even if it's just a cardboard house they created with their own hands." The Riveroaks program highlights that true education is about nurturing the whole child, fostering not just academic achievement, but also emotional resilience and a lifelong sense of belonging.