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A Dazzle-Winged Octo-Poodle and other fictional creatures took shape at Key Center School after students used artificial intelligence, communication exercises and hands-on creativity to design their own class pets.

Speech-language pathologists Aimee Rand, Katie Huynh and Rachael Ackerman led the school-wide project during classroom speech sessions. The activity was created to strengthen communication, build descriptive vocabulary and give students an active role in their learning.

Students began with curated picture and word cards, making choices about their ideal pet’s appearance. Each class collaboratively selected features such as color, texture, wings, scales or fur.

The chosen traits were entered into Canva’s AI image generator, which produced a digital picture based on each class’s ideas. Students who envisioned a furry purple animal with wings, for example, could quickly see that combination rendered on screen.

Rand then transformed the digital creations into physical companions. She printed the AI-generated artwork on fabric before sewing and stuffing each pet. Feathers, faux fur and other tactile details were added to reflect the students’ selections.

With the plush pets complete, students shifted their attention to language and storytelling. Each class named its creation and developed its personality, including activities it enjoyed, things it disliked and requests it might make. Ideas ranged from wanting quiet time or being petted to avoiding vegetables, going swimming or listening to someone read.

The exercise allowed students to continue practicing communication and decision-making while building a shared story around their new classroom mascot.

“Everyone enjoyed creating an image, but turning the image into pets made it an experience that everyone loved,” Rand said. “Teachers are creating habitats, and class jobs, and including them in lessons to continue the fun.”

The pets have remained part of classroom life, extending a speech and vocabulary activity into ongoing lessons, responsibilities and imaginative play.