Hands-on learning brings science, math and reading to life

Rehoboth Elementary School students in William Esquivel’s class are diving into hands-on learning across subjects this fall.

In science, young learners explored forces through experiments that demonstrated both touching forces, like pushes and pulls, and non-touching forces such as magnetism. One engaging activity challenged students to make blocks move without touching them, sparking curiosity and excitement as they saw science in action.

In math, students participated in a lively warm-up using giant wall post-its to showcase different strategies for solving addition word problems. Through collaboration, a gallery walk and an ABC Math Talk, they reflected on one another’s thinking and celebrated multiple approaches to problem-solving.

During reading and writing, students shared their predictions for “Dinosaurs Before Dark,” the first book in the Magic Tree House series. Michael Massaro, one of the student readers, read his journal entry aloud, modeling how engaged readers ask questions, make predictions and connect with the text.

From scientific discovery to mathematical reasoning and literary exploration, students are building knowledge, creativity and confidence in every lesson.