By Kylie Walker - 5th Grade Educator Have you ever stopped to think critically about information and products you consume? Who were the creators? Why were these things made? Were the creators successful? Who was their audience? What was their process? Have you asked yourself these questions about products that you create yourself? Imagine experiencing this level of critical thinking in elementary school! At Sycamore School, we challenge students to be critical thinkers, probl

Written by Brie Tompkins - Kindergarten/First Grade Educator Remember back to when you were in school. Why did your teachers ask questions? Is your answer, “to find out what I knew?” Did your teachers fish for the one and only “right” answer? Did the conversation end when they got the answer they wanted? What if you had a divergent idea? Did you feel vulnerable sharing it? Was there a risk of the teacher brushing you aside because your idea differed from his or her own? What

Written by Tedd Wakeman - co-founder/director For most students across the country, heading back to school in the Fall is not exactly a cherished occasion. It signifies the end of summer freedom, the end of physical and intellectual engagement, and the return to a system where student interest is rarely a priority. Since the founding of Sycamore, we knew the first day presented a golden opportunity. We wanted to send a unique message to our students that learning is playful a