Students in Ms. Peters’ class at RSE recently transformed their classroom into a bustling, student-run Holiday Pop-Up Shop, turning everyday lessons into a meaningful real-world experience.

The festive project combined core academic skills with social-emotional learning, allowing students to apply math concepts such as budgeting, counting money, and making change in an authentic setting. At the same time, students strengthened essential SEL skills, including teamwork, communication, responsibility, and confidence.

From organizing merchandise to assisting customers, students took full ownership of the experience. Working collaboratively, they practiced problem-solving, supported one another, and gained confidence as they navigated real responsibilities typically found beyond the classroom.

The Holiday Pop-Up Shop not only brought excitement to the school community but also demonstrated the power of hands-on learning. 

Through this engaging project, Ms. Peters’s students showed that meaningful education happens when lessons extend beyond textbooks and into real-world applications—preparing students with skills they will carry forward well beyond the classroom walls.