Inspiring Curiosity: The Lower School Wonder Wall

At St. Matthew’s, curiosity is more than encouraged, it’s celebrated. This year, our Lower School Principal Dr. Maya Kelly introduced an exciting initiative, The Wonder Wall, designed to spark inquiry and give every student a voice.

The Wonder Wall is an expression of the School’s Episcopal identity and its commitment to cultivating a culture of curiosity and Lower School students from Kindergarten through 4th Grade have completely embraced it! The concept is simple yet powerful. Students are invited to ask any question that comes to mind. From profound reflections like “What is courage?” to practical wonders such as “How many days are in a year?”, every question is welcomed and valued.

Throughout the year, students have explored a wide range of topics. Questions like “How do air fryers work?”, “How do ice packs stay cold?”, and even “How do you jump rope with two people at the same time?” have sparked engaging conversations and meaningful learning moments.

Each week during Lower School Chapel, Dr. Kelly selects a few student-submitted questions to answer. Displayed on the smartboard, these questions become the focus of a shared learning experience, as she demonstrates how to think through problems, research ideas, and discover answers.

“I do this to model how we go about answering questions that are curious to us,” Dr. Kelly explains. “The goal is that eventually, students will start to answer their own questions with the tools they’ve been given.”

The Wonder Wall has quickly become a favorite part of the week, providing an interactive and joyful opportunity for students to engage, think critically, and learn from one another. More importantly, it empowers students to take ownership of their learning, encouraging them to ask bold questions, explore new ideas, and grow in confidence.

Through initiatives like the Wonder Wall, St. Matthew’s continues to nurture young learners who are eager to challenge their minds, grow in character, and lead with courage.

Interested in learning more about how St. Matthew’s creates transformative experiences for students? Contact us to schedule a tour and discover what makes our community so special.