We value play as an essential component of learning. Play is the natural way for all mammals, especially humans, to explore their surroundings, experiment, and learn. Playful learning and games are the basis of much of our educational approach. Through participating, analyzing, and creating games, students develop a variety of attitudes and skills:   

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Play falls into two broad categories.  Students participate in two periods of student-led play every day, which we call free play. They also experience guided play throughout the week.  During guided play, our team uses their expertise with both gamification and game-based learning to use games as vehicles for learning. At Sycamore School, we know that play fosters the engagement and joy that helps our students learn.

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For more information please check out the clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (August 2018):

"The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children"