Kick conformity to the curb. Get noticed & WALK your own way โ literally one step at a time by wearing your boldest MISMATCHED pair! ๐ง๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ
National TWO DIFFERENT COLORED SHOES Dayย is celebrated on the 3rd Day in May. This day was created by Dr Arlene Kaiser in 2009 to encourage yaโll to embrace your uniqueness and express yourself boldly, starting from the ground up.
Mix, Match, and March! To participate, wear two shoes of different colors and confidently step out. If mismatched shoes arenโt an option for ya, still join in by wearing colorful socks or accessories that express your unique style. Itโs all about embracing what makes you โฆ you.โ
Dr Kaiser is an educator, motivational speaker, and founder of the Dr Arlene Kaiser Foundation, which focuses on promoting respect, individuality, and self-esteem. She first wore mismatched shoes herself as a personal reminder (and public signal) that being different is something to celebrate.
The day exists to encourage self-expression, individuality, and confidence. Itโs a playful way to say, โItโs okay to be differentโ. It also opens the door to deeper conversations about not excluding anyone, respect, and seeing value in things (and people) that donโt match the norm.
The holiday has grown in visibility, especially in schools, where teachers use it as a chance to blend fun with meaningful learning. Itโs used in lessons on diversity, social-emotional learning, and creativity. It also offers a way for people who feel โdifferentโ to be recognized and affirmed in a light, joyful way. In Dr Kaiserโs case, it started with her own choice to visibly stand out in a small way. Over time, it became a personal symbol, then a broader movement for self-acceptance.
Not sure how to LOVE the day? Weโve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help you get started.
Here are some activities you can do on National TWO DIFFERENT COLORED SHOES Day!
Wear two completely different shoes and donโt match them on purpose. Make it loud, weird, or meaningful. Itโs a statement after all!
Let your shoes be a discussion starter. Ask others what makes them stand out. Share something about your style too and post a photo of your shoes; tell a short story about what makes you different โ or why you embrace it.
If youโre handy with paint, markers, or patches, then decorate or customize two shoes that donโt match to begin with. Turn an old pair into your personal art.
Give new or gently used shoes to a local shelter or charity. Mismatched for fun โ but everyone deserves a matching pair in life.
Celebrating National TWO DIFFERENT COLORED SHOES Day can be a delightful and creative experience. Remember to tailor these activities based on the age group and preferences of the children or students involved. Lace up so the fun and laughter can step out in this special section!
Itโs also a great opportunity for teachers to build a simple thematic unit around self-expression or individualityโblending writing, visual arts, music, social-emotional learning, social studies, and classroom discussion into one. Whether itโs a one-day spotlight or part of a larger project, this day gives educators a fun way to connect classroom learning with personal identity, voice, and how students see themselves and others.
Here are some child-friendly and playful ways for youngsters to celebrate the occasion and honor their HEEL-arious mismatched feet:
Use social media posts by snapping a pic of your feet and tag it with the hashtags #NationalTwoDifferentColoredShoesDay, #TwoDifferentColoredShoesDay, #CelebrateUniqueness, #StepOutInStyle, #MismatchDay, #WalkYourWay, #FunHolidays, #MayHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you โค๏ธ National TWO DIFFERENT COLORED SHOES Day.
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