Teacher copies student's new hairstyle to inspire her to embrace it

US teacher Leigha Bishop left one of her pupils stunned when she recreated the girl’s new hairstyle to help her embrace it.
 
When four-year-old August arrived for class at Lakeview Elementary School in Texas with cornrows and a topknot bun last week, Bishop couldn’t help but compliment her.
 
“Oh my goodness! I love your hair, August! Don’t be mad at me when I come to school with my hair JUST like that tomorrow,” Bishop told her.
 
The pre-kindergarten student didn’t believe her, however, and expressed that she wasn’t entirely happy with her new look.

Bishop went home that night with a heartwarming idea.

Bishop revealed her new hairstyle to August at school the following day and received a “priceless” reaction.

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"Her jaw dropped and she just stared at me,” Bishop tells Refinery29. 
 
“I told her, 'You thought I was playing? We are going to be cute together!'" 

August wasn’t the only one delighted by her teacher’s thoughtful gesture; the photo Bishop shared of their matching hairstyles has been shared thousands of times.

LISTEN: Our Honey Mums podcast explores how schools can better support children. (Post continues.)

"When your student is just so cute, you HAVE to copy her," she captioned the sweet shot on Twitter.
 
Many have hailed the story as a beautiful example of why representation is so important and powerful, especially for children.
 
The educator tells Refinery29 that it’s vital for Black children to see more positive examples in the world around them and in the media.
 
"If young Black girls knew of the never-ending list of Black women who made a difference and are still making a difference, we wouldn't have so many little Black girls with no one to look up to,” she says. 
 
“It is important for these girls to know that they are important, too.”