Last year my children had the opportunity through their school to attend a programme called Mind Lab where for 45 minutes a week they got to play specially selected strategy games in a curriculum designed to develop thinking skills, life skills and personal qualities. They loved it!
Mind Lab NZ is part of a huge global thinking community across the world with over 40 countries. For the past 4 years they have held an International Olympics Tournament with children from all over the world. Usually Mind Lab would hold a national tournament with specific workshops to ascertain which children would represent New Zealand however as the final date for enrolling is March 1st there is not time to do that this year. However, Mind Lab are still investigating the possibility of sending a team from New Zealand and would like to extend the opportunity for expressions of interest to the gifted community at large, to see if there is enough interest from some willing parents and children whom are keen game players with the skills to participate.
The International Mind Lab Olympics this year will take place on June 14 – 16 at the San Servolo Island, located just a few moments boat ride away from the historic St Mark’s square in Venice, Italy. A team comprises of four children between the age range of 9 - 12 years, with each player having excellent knowledge and ability in one of the following four games selected from the Mind Lab curriculum to be contested at the tournament: Octi, Quoridor, Abalone, Checkers.
Representatives and family members going to this event would be responsible for all expenses including travel arrangements, meals and accommodation. However, that is not to say that you could not independently seek funding, and Jarrod Beaman, Managing Director of Mind Lab NZ Limited has indicated that Mind Lab would also look at their contacts in order to obtain some funding, and pointed out that after all it is an international competition and unique in it’s application and any media attention achieved would definitely raise the awareness of Mind Lab, gifted children and any supporting organisations.
If you would like more information you can email Jarrod Beaman at Mind Lab NZ Ltd on mindlabnz@mindlabnz.co.nz or visit Mind Lab’s website at www.mindlabnz.co.nz
Just to let you know that Mind Lab were a sponsor of the NZAGC AGM and Conference last year! You are right to support them, I think Mind Lab games etc are excellent for gifted children!
Hi Bernadette, just checked with my daughter, no, they do not use computers. According to her they discuss and learn thinking strategies to help them play a range of games, some which she is familiar with and others she has never seen before. Some of the games she mentioned are Rush Hour, Checkers, Mancala, Battle Ships, Mini Bridge & Goblet.
Thanks Linda. Im trying to steer away from too much interaction with equipment as opposed to people. Just about to visit the MindLab website right now!
