Summer Schedule
2010
Fees are payable in advance.
Missed classes are not refundable.
Groups are arranged with age as a consideration. However, some children may
have academic understandings significantly beyond their chronological years.
Contact Barbara to discuss an appropriate group placement for your child.
Each weekly session will be limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
Register early so your child has the benefit of learning new ways to think effectively.
Dates for 2010 |
Ages |
School Placement Sept. 2010 |
July 12 - 16 |
8-10 |
Entering Grades 3-5 (FULL) |
July 19 - 23 |
7-9 |
Entering Grades 2-4 |
August 2 - 6 |
10-12 |
Entering Grades 5-7 |
August 9 - 13 |
10-12 |
Entering Grades 5-7 |
August 16 -20 |
7-9 |
Entering Grades 2-4 |
August 23-27 |
8-10 |
Entering Grades 3 -5 |
Local amenities for drivers: one block to strip mall and bus stop
five minutes to library, pool, exercise center
ten minutes to Coquitlam Center or Lougheed Mall
A Glimpse at MindStein's Summer Program
A day at MindStein Summer Session starts with puzzles, building, strategy games, or conversation. This unstructured half hour (9:00-9:30) before the planned program starts allows for activities while members of the group are arriving. It gives an opportunity for participants to get to know each other playing with materials of their choice. A MindStein goal is to encourage and support positive ways of interacting together.
Most of the activities are hands-on. Math concepts are taught using manipulatives, with emphasis on the "language of math". One approach we use is Group Problem Solving, where each member of a group has a clue to share orally with the others in order to construct or arrange materials to solve a problem. This has team cohesiveness, group effectiveness, reading, specific vocabulary development, and math/logic built into the process.
Most days we use a piece of literature to work with in some way. Content will be chosen for more than entertainment value; it will contain issues worthy of discussion. A major focus of the program is to enhance critical thinking, so most of our activities will be oral rather than written. We want to capitalize on the opportunity to share ideas with other students of similar academic aptitude. Any work done on paper will be collected in a binder to be taken home at the end of the week.
Creative thinking components are based on Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination techniques. Thinking tools will be introduced to extend problem solving approaches. Interacting with other thoughtful students will also add to the individual's creative repertoire. MindStein's woodland setting is ideal for nature searches, treasure hunts, and outdoor problem solving.
Strategy games enhance observation, concentration, planning ahead, insights from deciphering opponent's effective moves, social skills... Participants will be introduced to at least one thinking game every day. There is an immense amount of learning inherent in award winning games; play is a powerful educational tool.
The specifics of each week's program will be designed on a day-to-day basis, reflecting the current understandings and interests of those attending. I draw on an extensive background working with advanced learners, and a vast store of accumulated resources. Five days at MindStein offer a unique, exciting adventure in learning.
Barbara Johnson