Hands-On Learning Approach

Throughout my career, I've observed how tactile experiences spark genuine curiosity in children of all ages. In my Montessori and preschool work, I witnessed how natural activities like sorting and stacking engaged young minds. When a student once asked me what the word "rough" meant, I created a texture book using materials such as scrubbing sponges, felt, silk, old wool sweaters, fake fur, and fleece. Students explored these textures, determining which felt smooth or rough, developing vocabulary through direct experience.

This hands-on approach extends to mathematics instruction as well. I find joy in watching students group objects, create arrays, split numbers, count manipulatives, and discover various approaches to solving equations. These concrete experiences build a foundation for abstract mathematical thinking later on.

With older students, I facilitate connections with unfamiliar topics and historical figures, guiding them through research using primary and secondary sources. This inquiry-based approach empowers students to formulate their own questions and pursue knowledge independently.