The Hockaday Experience
Innovation and Collaboration
Lower School Dream Lab
The Lower School Dream Lab has become a hub of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
More than just a classroom, it’s a transformative space where students build essential skills like problem-solving, perseverance, and teamwork, aligning with our strategic goal of preparing girls to lead purposeful lives in an ever-changing world.
When I first heard about the Dream Lab, I was reminded of a similar space I worked in earlier in my career. The energy of students brainstorming, building, and bringing ideas to life was unforgettable, and I knew this experience would be invaluable for my Pre-K students. The Lab’s flexibility and resources perfectly complemented our curriculum, enabling me to transform familiar lessons into dynamic, hands-on experiences.
This fall, the Dream Lab had a soft launch in early childhood classrooms, including Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Primer. From their first visit, my students were eager to explore its materials and tools, taking ownership of their learning and discovering the joy of collaboration and creative problem-solving.
One of my favorite projects this semester centered on the classic gingerbread man story. After reading various versions, I challenged the students to design ways to keep the gingerbread person safe. This task sparked critical thinking, collaboration, and experimentation as they tested materials and strategies. Without realizing it, they were learning essential skills like troubleshooting and prototyping.
Once their designs were complete, the students collaborated with Upper School interns to create their own gingerbread stories. This cross-divisional partnership exemplified Hockaday’s emphasis on mentorship and collaboration. Younger students admired their older peers, while the interns gained valuable teaching experience.
The girls then used the Dream Lab to bring their stories to life by designing props. Their creativity was remarkable. For example, two girls created pom-poms for a gingerbread cheerleader, each using a unique method—one with fringed paper and another with yarn, popsicle sticks, and tape. These different approaches highlighted the individuality and innovative thinking fostered by the Lab.
Throughout the project, perseverance—a core Pre-K value—was a central theme. When designs didn’t work, we encouraged the girls to reflect, adapt, and try again. This “failing forward” mindset teaches students that setbacks are opportunities for growth, and the Dream Lab provided a safe space to practice resilience. With each new attempt, I saw their confidence grow.
The Dream Lab’s integration into the Lower School curriculum reflects Hockaday’s broader educational philosophy of preparing creative and adaptive thinkers for a rapidly evolving world. Through project-based and experiential learning, students gain practical tools that extend beyond the classroom, fostering self-advocacy and innovation as they solve challenges collaboratively.
The Dream Lab has also been a source of inspiration for teachers, encouraging us to explore new teaching methods and interdisciplinary approaches. Hockaday’s strategic plan calls for fostering faculty excellence and innovative practices, and the Dream Lab provides a platform for experimentation and professional growth. It empowers teachers to embrace risk-taking and integrate new technologies and methodologies into their instruction.
Looking ahead, the potential for the Dream Lab is boundless. As we expand its use across grade levels and disciplines, we can create even more meaningful learning experiences. Partnering with community organizations, businesses, and higher education institutions could bring real-world applications into the Lab, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the broader world.
The Dream Lab exemplifies Hockaday’s commitment to excellence and innovation. It nurtures creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills vital for navigating our complex, connected world. As a teacher, I’m inspired by how the Lab has enriched my students’ learning and renewed my passion for education. I look forward to seeing how it continues to empower and inspire Hockaday students in the years to come.
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.