Children in our Primary program are three to six years old. One winter, ours turned a simple plan for class treats into a gift for their community, and Noozhawk told the story.
Hot chocolate, oat bars, and more than $700 raised
In December 2023, our Primary students worked together to make ready-to-mix jars of hot chocolate and winter oat bars. They sold them before and after school. The treats were tasty, and the fundraising was a real achievement. By the end, they had raised more than $700, which they donated to the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County.
Seeing where their money would go
On February 6, even a rainy day did not stop the children from visiting the food bank. They saw the vital work it does, and how their own effort would help people in the community. The visit deepened their sense of how a contribution can make a real difference in someone else's life.
Leah, our Primary Lead Guide, said the project grew out of the way Montessori classrooms work. “This initiative reflects the essence of the Montessori Method, where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and engage with the community around them,” she said. Alongside the fundraising, the children learned what their giving would mean for others.
She believes it will stay with them. “The experience has left an indelible mark on these young minds, fostering a sense of empathy and a commitment to continue helping their community in the years to come.”
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South Coast Montessori
