We had many lessons about money in the Early Childhood classrooms during the month of March because of the Sylvie Stewart Coin Drive! The students were curious about the coins, so we presented the concept of money and discussed what we use money for. The children were invited to study each side of the coins, and also to notice the differences between pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.  They learned the value that each coin represents, and also observed the art on each coin. The students repeatedly practiced sorting the coins and counting them by 1s, 5s, 10s, and 25s.  Many different lessons were given.  The children really enjoyed understanding the purpose of money and the Sylvie Stewart Coin Drive!

The Sylvie Stewart Coin Drive has been taking place during the month of March at Abintra. Children are encouraged to bring in loose change to support the Tuition Assistance Fund. Each classroom has a collection jar so students can see the coins collected. This fundraiser was created by former student Will Stewart in memory of his sister, Sylvie, an EC student who passed away from brain cancer in 2000. The guides have shared the Sylvie Stewart story with each classroom in an age-appropriate way so the children understand what their coins support. Early Childhood students have  received lessons on counting money and have been involved in the process of keeping up with their totals.    We appreciate those of you who have contributed to the coin drive thus far, and would like to especially acknowledge a former student (whose sister currently attends Abintra) who spent a weekend afternoon selling cookies outside of a fire stati...