Czech Mensa and Gifted Children Tomáš Kubeš This presentation was prepared as a part of Leadership Exchange Program sponsored by MI.

Goals Describe easily replicable activities – Inspiration for people who would like to start gifted children programs – Share experience Introduce people you should know 2Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Contents Background information Overview of activities – Mensa for Schools – Gifted Children Clubs – Summer Camps – Mensa NTC for preschools – Logical Olympics – Mensa Charter School 3Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Mensa Czech Republic Officially established in adult members (in country of 10 M) 524children (not official members) Chairman Tomáš Blumenstein Unusually high participation of young people – students who started with Mensa in 90ties continue (and get older). 4Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Background – A Bit of History Communistic reign was overthrown in 1989 but bad practices at schools were carried over. Gifted children were intentionally neglected. The focus on gifted children came gradually and naturally as their parents met in Mensa. 5Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Children Programs

Mensa for Schools Support, consulting, and certification for schools who wish to cater for gifted children. – Gifted children classes, individual programs, afterschool activities, teacher training – “School Cooperating with Mensa” certification Strongest point is the experience exchange, Mensa acts as an authority and coordinator. 7Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Board Game Clubs Supplemental activity to Mensa for Schools. Board Game Clubs (currently 250) – After school activity for (not just) gifted children Day Full of Games – School wide “edutainment” day organized by Mensa (often on new schools) – Board games, tournaments, IQ testing, counseling 8Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Gifted Children Clubs Themed edutainment activities for gifted children on weekly or bi-weekly basis aimed at elementary school children (6-10 years). 1 club per city – serves as and interconnection point, established at selected school. Funds provided by Mensa, run by local teachers (after Mensa led training session). Open for all gifted children children. There are currently 12 clubs. 9Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Summer Camps and More Summer Camps for Children – Themed 7 day camps (in the nature, or in the city) – Entertainment & development of skills Camps for Parents and Children – Networking and informal counseling Gifted children BBQs – Similar purpose – Regularly (monthly) 10Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Mensa NTC for “Kindergartens” Designed by Ranko Rajovič from Mensa Serbia – Implemented in Serbia, Slovenia, Italy, Czech R. Brain training and development activities for all preschool children (not just gifted) Informal talent screening Mensa ČR obtained government certification for pre-school teacher training program. 11Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Logical Olympics Nationwide logical puzzle competition Established in 2008 More than participants – Can reveal hidden talents Goals – Screening (reveal hidden talents) – Bandwagon for other Mensa activities – Media presence 12Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Mensa Charter School 8 year high school “Gymnasium” – Mensa gymnázium, o.p.s. Individual approach to gifted children 15.5 student per class (range ) in 2009 Suitable for children with special needs. Large number of elective courses. 13Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Our Successes Mensa became recognized authority in the field of gifted children care and support. Mensa “infiltrated” the Ministry of Education. – Guidelines for preparing an individual learning program for a gifted child. Gifted children receive attention. Parents make great volunteers. K. Havlíčková awarded MERF IABS. 14Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Contacts in 2011 Czech Mensa and Gifted Children15 Dana Havlová Tomáš Blumenstein Jitka Fořtíková Václav Fořtík Petr Čavojský

Websites Mesa site with gifted children activities: (CZ only) NTC Method description: (English) Center for giftedness (CZ only): 16Czech Mensa and Gifted Children

Thank you for your attention. Questions?