Connecting Students - Montessori Snowflake Bentley

Connecting Students - Montessori Snowflake Bentley

Making a Difference - one book and life at a time...

A part of Develop Africa's mission includes promoting literacy and education.  The environment in many schools in Africa could be more empowering or condusive to the full development of future leaders. 

 

Life is also about relationships and many people in the Western world are looking for creative ways to make a difference and contribute to enriching the lives of people in Africa.  The children of an exemplary school in Wisconsin approached Develop Africa about making a difference - in their own unique and special way. 

 

Here is their story as told by - Lindsey LaPlant, Montessori Children’s House, Elementary Art Teacher 2007

 

 

 

"Elementary school-age students from Montessori Children’s House in Madison, Wisconsin wanted to connect with students in Africa.  Living in the Midwest (USA) there is a considerable high snow occurrence in the winter, so the students reflected on their experiences playing with the white cold, white stuff.  We read about a man who photographed snowflakes in the book, Snowflake Bentley and Snow Crystals.  After studying the snowflake photographs carefully, the students designed their own snowflakes on a Styrofoam meat tray to print enough to share with their classmates. 

 

Montessori Children's House

Students in class holding their Montessori Snowflake Bentley books with pride

 

During the winter (early 2007), the students were assigned a country in Africa to explore, so I proposed that we share our beautiful snow creations and experiences with students that may not have the opportunity to experience a winter with snow.  The students recalled that this was there favorite art lesson of the year, especially since they were able to communicate with kids like them on the opposite side of the globe using images, poems, and letters into the book, Montessori Snowflake Bentley."

 

 

 

The class created and sent 10 books, money towards shipping the books to Africa, and letters the students wrote to the kids in Africa. 

 

 

This page will be updated with additional information from the partner school in Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

Families in Sierra Leone face unprecedented challenges due to rising costs. Inflation makes it difficult for them to afford basic food staples such as rice, cooking oil, and onions.

Extending a helping hand can alleviate a significant burden and provide essential relief to the less fortunate.

Help provide relief by donating today!

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Give the Gift of Joy This Holiday Season 🎁


You can light up a child's life in Africa this holiday season. Imagine the joy of a young girl opening her very first book or a boy receiving a backpack filled with school supplies to fuel his dreams. For many children, a holiday gift isn't just a moment of happiness – it’s a message of hope, love, and possibility.

At Develop Africa, we believe every child deserves to feel special, especially during the holidays. But for too many children in underserved communities, the season comes and goes without even a small token of celebration. With your help, we can change that.

A donation of just $25 can provide a meaningful gift – a backpack, school supplies, or even a toy – to a needy child. Your generosity will show them that someone far away cares deeply about their future and happiness.

Make this holiday season unforgettable for a child. Please donate now to our Holiday Gift for a Child campaign and be part of a life-changing moment. Together, we can spread joy, ignite hope, and make the holidays magical for children in Africa.