Sheridan second graders get visit from Melissa Martin & her giant maps

Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools

Last week, Sheridan Elementary School (SES) second-grade students had an unforgettable experience that brought geography quite literally to life. Melissa Martin from Hamilton Heights visited SES with her incredible giant map lessons, and the excitement in the room was electric.

Photos provided by Sheridan Community Schools

Martin didn’t just bring any maps … she brought room-sized interactive maps of Hamilton County and the entire United States. These larger-than-life teaching tools were generously funded by the Hamilton Heights Education Foundation and started to be used in classrooms and organizations in 2016. This visit from the “map lady” perfectly lined up with the second-grade map unit.

Students were able to imagine walking across the United States in just a few steps. They didn’t just look at maps, they walked on them, stood on states, traced rivers with their feet, and discovered just how big our world can be.

The energy in the classroom was contagious as students eagerly explored the maps. They were moving, learning, and making connections in a way that textbooks can’t capture. It was hands-on and full of energy.

Sheridan second graders are so grateful to Martin and the Hamilton Heights Education Foundation for this one-of-a-kind experience. The students walked away not just with more knowledge, but with excitement, curiosity, and a new love for geography.

Photos provided by Sheridan Community Schools