A Magnificent Thing: Freeman’s Mill 1st graders read, grow… and build

     Each year, 1st-grade students at Freeman’s Mill Elementary School start with an instructional module about tools and how they help make work easier. Throughout this unit, students engage in hands-on tasks designed to build important character habits: initiative, collaboration, and perseverance.

     One of the highlights of the module is reading “The Most Magnificent Thing,” a delightful story by Ashley Spires that follows a young girl who uses these character traits to create something truly magnificent. Inspired by the girl’s journey to learn what she needs to do to succeed, these students take on a culminating challenge: building their own “magnificent thing.”

     “This year, our field trip coordinator had a brilliant idea: inviting The Home Depot to bring the experience right into our classrooms,” says 1st grade Teacher Jessica Boozer.

     The Hamilton Mill location of The Home Depot generously sent two employees who rotated through the school’s 1st-grade classrooms. Each student received a genuine toolbox kit complete with instructions, a hammer, and nails. Observing safety first, students prepared with protective eyewear, hard hats, and vests.

     “With excitement and determination, our students put their character habits into action—showing perseverance, initiative, and collaboration—as they built their very own toolboxes,” Boozer adds. “It was a powerful and memorable way to bring learning to life!”