Discovering the Shape of Chicago: An Upper School Journey in Project-Based Learning

First Trimester at Bennett Day Upper School came to an incredible conclusion with the students’ very first Demo Night, demonstrating all of their project-based learning (PBL) around “The Shape of Chicago.” https://2487778.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2487778/Demo%20night%20photo%20video%20that%20i%20made%20and%20edited%20.mp4 Studies show that the endless cross-curricular possibilities of high-quality project-based learning encourage higher student engagement, achievement, and retention of knowledge. We found this…

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Kids Co-designing for Kids: 7 Hands-On Explorations with Osmo Kaleidoscope

PreK-4th grade children at Bennett Day School worked together to design a new app for Osmo explorations. Co-designed with their Tinkering and Engineering Sciences (TES) Lab teacher, this collaboration resulted in the creation of Osmo Kaleidoscope for hands-on creativity and learning. Now available for free download on the App Store, this app empowers all Osmo users to design…

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What Does Project-Based Learning Look Like at the High School Level?

…where students develop ideas and understanding, pursue passions and dreams, and hold themselves and their colleagues accountable for shared and individual work. Understanding the world around them, our students see what is and what should be and tap into innovative thinking to make change a reality. Bennett Day School is committed to project-based learning (PBL)…

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School, as we know it, was designed in 1893. How do we make it better?

Many high schools today are unable to respond to the changes happening outside the walls of education and continue to graduate students with skills that do not match the needs of society. In an effort to do better for our children, Bennett Day has partnered with time-tested and data-driven organizations—such as High Tech High, IvyWise College Admissions…

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The High School Search Process is Real—Do You Know What to Ask on Tours?

We get it—the high school search struggle is not to be taken lightly! We know that the process can be an overwhelming experience for parents and students alike, and with so many options in Chicago, it is important to go in prepared. We put together this list of questions to assist you in getting crucial…

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What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Today’s classrooms are full of students from a variety backgrounds, and the goal is always to accommodate each student as an individual. One way in which educators strive to promote a safe, positive learning environment is through a method called social-emotional learning, or SEL. This scientifically-proven way of teaching creates a foundation that emphasises a…

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What is Reggio Emilia?

At Bennett Day School, we derive many of our core principles from a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to education. Time, space and natural light are key elements that facilitate learning and exploration in each of our classrooms. You may be wondering, though, why we chose a Reggio Emilia style over other progressive education philosophies. Here’s a…

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What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning is a deeper form of learning that offers many educational benefits and is proven to be effective for many students. Children are often ill-prepared for the real-world situations they will face as adults. Implementing project-based learning methods in their education will better prepare them for challenges brought by the modern society. What is…

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Student Project: Rearranged Classroom

Bennett Day School prides itself on developing lifelong learners and leaders across all grade levels. A great example of how we foster these skills is through an adaptive learning program that challenges students academic, social and emotional skills. As we near the end of the school year, the students and teachers decided they needed a…

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