We introduce a unique project that originated based upon an idea of Serbian Mensa. The author of the method is a Serbian physician – internist and neurologist – Dr. Ranko Rajevič; the method focuses on the mental capacity of children of preschool age.
The method Mensa NTC Learning utilizes a group of techniques and specially arranged exercises leading to an increase of intellectual abilities of children of preschool age. Exercising is based on knowledge acquired from neurological research of brain and combines various techniques – motor exercises, symbol learning, attention exercising, use of music, etc. – to stimulate increase of neuron interacting (synapses) in brain. Therefore, the method doesn’t necessarily increase intelligence that isn’t already present, but it increases the available capacity of children’s brains.
Exercise contributes to the development of motor coordination and motor abilities and positively affects prevention of dyslexia and decreases the impact of learning disabilities. Although exercise increases intellectual abilities of all children without difference, it also plays an important role in identification and development of abilities in talented children. An integral part of the project is cooperation with parents; participation of parents increases the results of the exercise.
A team of physicians – experts in psychology and pedagogy from several countries - cooperated in development of the exercise and currently, it is used by national Mensa in Italy, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia and France. Preschools from Brno, Prostějov and Prague are taking part in a pilot project in the Czech Republic.
Media coverage of the project
Czech daily newspapers, magazines and television have also been interested in the project. The project was already mentioned in a number of reports; however, in our opinion, the biggest presentation of the project is its mentioning in the program CT24 “Před půlnocí.” If you click on the following link, you can watch the program. Also a report about talented preschool children is prepared in the program “Černé ovce”; furthermore, the weekly TV show POKR, regularly broadcast on Czech Television, prepared a report. This report was filmed at Maxíkova Language School, Strahov.
Upon discussions with the representatives of Dětská Mensa ČR and Centrum Nadání, o.s., the following procedure was preliminarily agreed upon for the school year 2009/10:
- Initial training of teachers (October/November) and consequent continuous training of chosen teachers.
- Creation of special activity “MaxClever.” This activity will be managed by a lector from Centrum Nadání, o.s. and later one of our teachers who will undergo regular trainings from Centrum Nadání, o.s.
- After a few months, we will inform you about the diagnostics of children (from 2.5 years). The diagnostics are performed by specialists from Centrum Nadání, o.s. The aim of such testing is:
- Find out the zone of intellect;
- Profile of a child’s ability
- Logical thinking
- Verbal abilities
- Mathematical abilities
- Spatial imagination
- Logical thinking
- Concentration of attention/li>
- Cooperation with unknown authority
- Specific interests of a child, etc
- Preparedness and presumption for a child’s entering elementary school
- Speech specifics, etc.
- Part of the MaxClever activity will also be purchase of special didactical tools, board games, etc.
- The results of this testing can be finding the above-average talents of a child. In such a case, we will offer several alternatives for working with children, developing their potential and talents without neglecting other areas, mainly outside the preschool building. According to research, parents of approx. 20% children have no idea that their child has such potential.
- Diagnostics of children will be performed after the previous written approval of parents. Children will be diagnosed on the premises of the preschool. A single fee will be determined according to the number of children and in no case will exceed 1.200 CZK/child.
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