Bennett Day School Tour!
- May 8, 2015
- 2 min read
As I started researching preschool options, I immediately found the Reggio Emilia approach to be fascinating. Google uses the Italian based philosophy in its childcare facilitiy, Kinderplex.
I was drawn to the self-guided curriculm, collaboration with peers, emphasis on creativity and the invovlement of techonology.
I came accross the following schools in Chicago that are Reggio Emilia based:
and
(Photo via)
Cameron Smith and Kate Cicchelli founded Bennett Day School last year. The school is located in Fulton Market which is near me, so I decided to go in for a tour.
When Cameron was showing me the different project that the kids were doing I found myself saying "I'm interested in doing that!"
^Here's Cameron showing his sons binder that has all of the project he has done. He was so enthusaitic about starting the school and you could see how much he believed in the philosphy.
^Sloane didn't even know where to start there were so many things she wanted to look at and play with.
^One of the art pieces the class had made together.
^More art. Cameron pointed out how different the creativity was. They're all given similar shapes and supplies but are given the freedom to product what they want.
^I toured in the late morning when the kids were at the playground so I got to take pictures of the classroom which you could tell the kids had full accessibility of.
^This was a play station that had transformed based on the classes interest. At one point it was a hospital and I believe the final station was a chocolate factory where they could buy and sell chocolate. The students had visited a chocolate factory previously.
^You can see the coin break down with the jars. There's even a sacagawea! Love it.
^"SK Ice Cream Stand"
^"Wire Play". Creating the alphabet shapes with wires.
^This peg board wall reminded me of the Childrens Museum. This area is in the middle of the classrooms. It's called the Tinkering Lab.
^ Cameron is telling me about the additional school location on Morgan and Grand to open. Wow, it looks like it's going to be really amazing. Bennett Day is planning on expanding to the 8th grade.
I was really excited about the model and seeing it in action.
If you're interested in learning more, Cameron was open for coffee and tours! info@bennettday.org
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