At Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, students in grades 1 to 3 are taking their learning to exciting new heights under the guidance of teacher Elizabeth Hain. Recently, Hain received a Teacher Innovation Fund mini-grant to acquire essential building materials that enrich her students’ explorations of ancient civilizations, enhance their understanding of math concepts, and support their creative projects. A particularly fun and engaging activity involved the use of simple paper bags transformed into imaginative “suitcases” for a journey around the world.
With their paper bag suitcases in hand, students embarked on an adventure to learn about diverse cultures and traditions. This hands-on project not only sparked their imagination but also fostered an appreciation for global diversity, making history come alive in a way that engages young minds.
The Montessori philosophy emphasizes self-directed learning, and Elizabeth has organized a variety of materials on the classroom shelves. This setup allows students to practice independently and work towards mastery of essential concepts. The math materials introduced will define the four basic operations, helping students grasp important mathematical terminology, while the graphing tools will provide practical experience in charting information and understanding the variety of graphs utilized in everyday life.
Reflecting on the impact of the new materials, Elizabeth expressed her excitement: “The students cheered when I announced that we’d received a grant for new classroom resources. They are particularly thrilled about the nature journals and pouches we’ll use in the spring, allowing us to explore our school grounds in a creative way. The Montessori materials create an organized and clean space for their work on the shelves, empowering them to manage their learning independently.”
GRPS student Kaze Kelly echoed that enthusiasm, exclaiming, “I love them!” upon seeing the newly acquired materials.
With innovative tools and a vibrant classroom atmosphere, Elizabeth Hain is not only enriching her students’ educational experience but also fostering a love for learning that will benefit them for years to come. At Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, the spirit of exploration and discovery is alive, proving that learning about the world can be both educational and fun!
