Shop until you drop…no, this is not retail therapy, but is a part of Rowntree Montessori’s continuing goal to keep learning fun and stimulating! And, just as we celebrate the importance of Science by dedicating a whole day to Science activities and experiments, similarly, a day is dedicated for Math activities. What better way to inaugurate this day than focusing our attention on the unit of Money? In a matter of days, the school was buzzing with excitement and ideas of transforming the entire upper level of the school into a mini shopping mall.
The students from grades four to seven were assigned the responsibilities of setting up stores, and the grade 8 students took on the responsibility of organizing the finances, while our kindergarten to grade 3 students had the privilege of being shoppers! Rowntree Montessori Athletic & Academic Council, “RMAAC”, stepped up to the plate by volunteering their services as mall security.
As the much awaited Math day approached, things kicked into high gear, the “Rowntree Dollar” was designed and printed. Each shopper was given their own debit card with a deposit of forty dollars and an additional forty dollars in coins and notes. The store owners began planning their set up and collecting items to sell. The whole school joined in collecting recycled packaging for the grocery store. Gently used clothes, toys and books were also collected for the clothes, books and toy stores, which were obviously popular favourites amongst the shoppers! The store managers designed coupons and vouchers to attract shoppers to their stores. Finally, “Rowntree Central Mall” was opened for business!
It was indeed interesting to watch how the students shopped, some got through their money even before their shopping spree had ended! Others were more thoughtful and careful in their spending.
The grade 8 students did an amazing job of explaining the banking system to our shoppers. Plenty of guidance and advice was offered to the younger students, who were so excited to spend their Rowntree Dollars!
Some of them made multiple visits to the bank to top up their debit cards, while others managed to save a few dollars even after a full day of shopping.
This was yet another event of reflection, a simply inspiring one, a kaleidoscope of values, including: Dedication, Responsibility, Co-operation, Commitment, Leadership and Unity, all in full focus. Watching our students lead each other, guide each other with such confidence and ease, makes us realize that this is truly a one of a kind student community. The sheer potential of our Rowntree students never ceases to amaze us.
We are surely proud to be “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Achievers!
We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!
Please drop by any of our campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.
More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here.
