central indiana mensa gifted children’s program
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Presented by David Bonner, GCC CIM. Central Indiana Mensa Gifted Children’s Program. Introducing the Speaker:. Joined Mensa in 2007 – Central Indiana 12 years experience working with youth GT/Ed Psych from Purdue University GCC for two years Taught at Purdue’s GERI Camp - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Presented by David Bonner, GCC CIM
Introducing the Speaker:
Joined Mensa in 2007 – Central Indiana 12 years experience working with youth GT/Ed Psych from Purdue University GCC for two years Taught at Purdue’s GERI Camp Developed GT program last year Teaches MS/HS Science, Math, History
Quick Survey:
Raise your hand if you are/were/will be a GCC or work with the children for your region
Why Have a Kids Program? To serve gifted kids and their families
who may have nowhere else to go. To bring youthful energy and
programming to your local group. To recruit new members to Mensa,
which will ultimately keep us strong in the future.
To have FUN with some really amazing kids!
Our Problem:
Traditional approach was impossible. We had to improvise.
Large geographic area, very few registered <18.
Local group mostly older adults.
The Catalyst
There is a GREAT need When it rains, it pours! We hit critical mass
Getting Started:
I emailed every GCC in the country I could find and asked for advice.
I researched successful GCP’s. I asked questions on the GCC listserv. I spent many hours brainstorming. I asked parents what they wanted the
program to look like. I got the support of my LocSec and local
members
The Initial Meeting:
An open meeting was called after one of our regular monthly meetings to discuss launching a GCP
Our Goals:
Build a network of “gifted” families Equip parents to advocate Bring kids together to:
Socialize among intellectual peersHave some amazing learning experiencesCounsel gifted issues
Recruit young members
The Launch – October 2009: BIG event - Highly publicized. LOTS of local schools contacted. Concurrent programming for both adults
and kids.
Promotion of our Program: Indiana Association for the Gifted (IAG)
Conference booth Brain Fair booth Free promotional material from Mensa
RG Event:
Multiple tracks for all ages
Brought in the best speakers we could find
Lots of variety Distributed 500
fliers
RG – Siege Weapon Lab
RG – Siege Weapon Lab
RG – Siege Weapon Lab
RG – Siege Weapon Lab
RG – Siege Weapon Lab
RG – Siege Weapon Lab
RG – Asset/Burden Paradox
RG – Parent Workshops
RG – DNA Extraction Lab
RG – Talent Show
RG – Kids Room
RG – Discussion Circle
RG – Are You Smarter than a Gifted 5th Grader?
Parent Gatherings:
Free and open to the public. We get to know attendees and their
struggles. We share resource such as books, web
sites, and seminars for gifted needs. We develop action plans to help parents
advocate for their gifted children
GCP: Music & Giftedness
Hosted by the founders of the Symphonic Youth Orchestra of Indianapolis
Kids brought their own instruments We learned how music relates to intelligence We learned how to improvise on our
instruments
GCP: Music & Giftedness
GCP: Music & Giftedness
GCP: Music & Giftedness
GCP: Music & Giftedness
GCP: Physics FUN-damentals: Hosted by two college-trained engineers,
certified Taekwondo instructors and Mensa members.
Kids learned about martial arts and physics including Newton’s law, torque, rotation, leverage, and momentum.
GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:
GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:
GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:
GPC: Speaking of Me:
Author of this book gave workshop for kids
Concurrent parent session Event co-hosted by Sycamore
School, a local GT school
RG: Chemistry is a Blast
RG: Chemistry is a Blast:
RG: Chemistry is a Blast:
RG: Chemistry is a Blast:
Outdoor Gathering:
RG: Kids Showcase Talent
Ways Local M’s Can Serve: Make kids feel welcome at regular M
events. Be a “helper” for GCP events. Host GCP events. Participate in our outreach program
Outreach Program:
One of our 8th grade kids composed and conducted his own song.
Several M’s attended his concert to show our support.
He was extremely pleased that we were there.
Promotional Material
ProfessionalImage
Local Newsletter:
GCC articles about giftedness. Announcements of all upcoming GCP
events and meetings. Ask for the support of local members. Articles about talent of young M’s.
Web Page: Upcoming Events
Web Page: Registration
Web Page: Resources
Web Page: http://kids.indymensa.org Facebook page
Announce eventsHost media from participantsDiscussion
Email Newsletter Yahoo Group – discussion Twitter feed Email: [email protected]
Why Have We Been Successful? The need was already there. Dedicated parents willing to work Support of LocSec and local group Attitude of Success Professional Image HARD WORK!
What’s Next?