Articles
Student Innovation Through Bennett Labs: Creating Apps, Books, and 21st Century Learning at Bennett Day School
By Frances Judd, Special Projects Coordinator & Early Childhood Tinkering and Engineering Sciences Lab Teacher I love sharing these photos of enthusiastic and engaged learners at Bennett Day School as they participate in Bennett Labs projects:
Building Bennett Day School: An Interview with CEO Cameron Smith
After the birth of his first son in 2010, Bennett Day School Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Smith, came face-to-face with the shortage of options for progressive, independent schooling in Chicago. Though his heartfelt reasons as to “why” he founded the school are well-documented, we sat down with Cameron to discuss the “how” behind his motivational journey in creating…
Decision Time: Our Top 3 Tips for Choosing a Best-Fit School
No parent takes school-fit decisions lightly, and Chicago families are reporting more and more that the dizzying array of PK-12 options in the city can feel stressful.
For Students Highly-Committed to Extracurriculars, Bennett Day Upper School Provides an Ideal Experience
Most high schools expect their students to sit through regimented class periods beginning strictly at 8am (or even earlier), participate in their after-school activities that can sometimes go well into the late evening hours, and then somehow manage to thoughtfully complete hours of homework and get a good night’s rest—all to do it again the…
“Gaga for a Gaga Pit!” Guest Blog By Tinkering & Engineering Sciences Teacher, Zak Thompson, on STEM & Design Thinking
“Engineers solve problems.” These words are mounted on our front wall, serving as the mantra of the Tinkering & Engineering Sciences (TES) Lab. It is important for the students to remember as we are deep in circuits, robots, and 3D printing that our mission of advancing creativity and innovation does not happen in a vacuum….
CEO Cameron Smith: “The Schoolhouse Gate” and the Changing Face of American Education
In November, I had the privilege of engaging in a discussion at the offices of education law firm,Franczek Radelet, with University of Chicago Constitutional Law Professor, Justin Driver. His new book,The Schoolhouse Gate:Public Education, the Supreme Court, and the Battle for the American Mind,inspired me to think more deeply about how our schools are addressing…
6 Picture Books to Warm Up Your Winter Break
Aside from the sheer joy of imagination, children reading for pleasure outside of school is linked to higher levels of empathy, problem-solving, communication, and even performance in academic areas. As we get ready for Winter Break, what will your child be reading at home over the next few weeks? We curated this list of recently…
The Power of “Quiet”: Thoughts by Cameron Smith on Tomie dePaula’s Latest Picture Book
Quiet by Tomie dePaolaSimon & Schuster Books for Young Readers I recently heard the NPR Author Interview about Tomie dePaola’s latest book, Quiet. I listened to the three-minute interview around 5:45 am on my way to the gym. And I turned off the radio. Immediately. Not exactly what NPR might have been going for, but…
Beyond Getting Coffee: Exploring Quality Internships
Internships have evolved. Instead of just getting the boss coffee, today’s internships should be ideal avenues for developing insight into one’s possible learning and employment pathways. While most students do not have the opportunity for a quality internship until they are in college, Bennett Day Upper School believes that exploring the varying landscapes of the…
Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Toys & Games to Bring Joy to Kids’ Thinking about Fruits & Veggies
It was school lunchtime when an idea was sparked for our Picnic Party game. It would become the newest card game in the playful line of Story Dealer storytelling games for kids, joining our STEM/STEAM game, and the blank deck of 5Ws DIY Maker-Space cards.