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School & Learning

Thinking About Thinking

Why metacognition matters for learners — and a Madlib-style self-reflection resource to help your child think holistically about how they think.

By Sam Young 2 min read
Thinking About Thinking

The other day I watched an interview with Dr. Ken Atchity that planted a seed in me that’s been growing for a week or so now.

In the interview, Dr. Ken offered insight into the life of an artist by examining the creative process and comparing how different artists have worked, lived, and produced. Whether discussing his own methods or the methods of iconic artists before him, he constantly stressed “the importance of each artist not only knowing their own methods, but nourishing them.”

This got me thinking…

What more can I do to help kiddos think about their own learning profiles? Beyond that, how can I help students work toward creating optimal conditions for themselves?

It often feels that children are too stuck in examining their own successes/failures through the lens of the classes they take. I.e., I’m not a math person, or I’m only do well in English. Too often, the reflection stops here.

After listening to Dr. Ken speak about the process of some of the greats like Tolkien, Dick, etc., it’s clearer than ever to me: we need our children to do more holistic metacognitive reflection.

As a result, I am releasing a series of Madlib-styled self-reflection resources to help your learners. These resources were created with the sole intention of helping your learner think holistically about his/her thinking.

Please click below, make a copy, and fill it out with your kiddo. And I do mean fill it out with your kiddo. Make a section for each of you and see what kind of convo it sparks!

Self-Reflection Resource

About Young Scholars Academy

Young Scholars Academy is a WASC-accredited virtual learning community offering 200+ live online courses and camps for gifted or 2e children ages 5–18, in classes of 6–8 students, led by neurodivergent mentors. Young Scholars Academy currently serves 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries, with a 93% semester-over-semester re-enrollment rate. ESA funding is accepted in 10+ states.

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You don't have to figure this out alone.

Right now, a kid who thinks like your kid is in a class they chose, with a mentor who was once just like them, surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird... they think they're interesting.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions Parents Ask.

Everything you need to know about Young Scholars Academy.

What is Young Scholars Academy?

YSA is a WASC-accredited virtual village for gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students ages 5–25. We offer 200+ live online courses (from Minecraft Redstone Engineering to AP Psychology to Mock Trial) with a maximum of 6–8 students per course, taught by 20 hand-selected mentor teachers who are neurodivergent themselves. We serve 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries. This is not a marketplace. It's a school and a community.

How does it work?

During Fall and Spring semesters, courses meet once a week, live on Zoom, 50 minutes per session. During Summer, camps run Monday through Friday, one week at a time. When your child enrolls in 3 or more courses, they get free access to Homeroom Social Club — a weekly gathering with a consistent group of friends. Between courses, students hang out on our virtual campus where they walk as avatars, eat lunch together, and build real friendships with kids from around the world who finally get them.

Who is this for?

Gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students, including kids with ADHD, autism, giftedness, anxiety, dyslexia, and PDA. No diagnosis required. If your child is clever, quirky, and hasn't found their people yet, they belong here. About 65% of our families homeschool. The rest use us alongside traditional or charter schools.

Is this a low-demand environment?

Yes. Enrichment courses have no grades and no traditional homework. However, for-credit courses include assignments and letter grades. Cameras always optional. Challenge by choice. Students are never cold-called, never forced to participate, and never penalized for how they choose to engage. For students with PDA, demand avoidance, or anxiety, this is the difference between a program they resist and one they ask to log into.

How much does it cost?

Semester courses start at $624. Summer camps are $149–$169 per camp. Payment plans, sibling discounts, referral credits, and ESA/charter funding accepted. We're an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs.

Will my child actually make friends?

This is the part that surprises parents most. Your child joins a course about something they love and meets 6–8 kids who love it too. Same group all semester (or all week for camps). Parents tell us their children are more connected with this community than with anyone physically around them. 93% of families re-enroll because their kids won't let them stop.

What if it doesn't work?

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Switch courses, receive a credit, or stop payments. No questions asked. We can offer this because we know what happens when these kids find their people.

What do parents get?

Virtual Coffee & Connect hours every couple of weeks. Regular Expert Talks with leaders like Seth Perler, Debbie Reber, and Dr. Temple Grandin. A Facebook group where families connect and support each other. Progress updates from mentors. And the ability to watch your child's courses anytime (just stay off camera). You're not just enrolling your child. You're joining a village.