Summer Brain Prep Club
Summer can be a time of significant development and maturation, or it can be a time of diminished skills needed for mastering next year's curriculum. kSero's Summer Brain Prep Club promotes development AND fun with a flexible, health-club type of approach. By being a summer club member, your child can have the advantage of "brushing up" weaker areas, continuing to develop skills that are already strong, and exploring personal interests.
Earlier this year, kSero completed a grant from the U.S. Department of Education which showed the importance of structured and unstructured play in mastering academic work. Dr. Susan Hardwicke, president of kSero and director of kSero Centers for the Mind, has implemented the program in several after-school and summer programs. Pre- and post-testing showed improvements in memory, ability to learn, self-understanding, and self-expression. Although participants improve their skills, they also report high levels of enjoyment. Now these benefits are available through the Summer Brain Prep Club.
Our club members improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, self-control, problem-solving, and expression. Best of all, parents can select the skills they want their children to work on! Skills are developed through three types of program formats:
- Computer-based training: Students advance through enjoyable, self-paced programs that develop mental skills, vocabulary, and reading and math skills. All programs are age/grade appropriate and directed by professional staff. Parents can view results daily and see how rapidly progress can occur. kSero recommends that members spend at least one hour daily on the available computer-based programs.
- Counselor-led games and activities. Original program content developed for a federal grant will be presented by trained counselors, all of whom are degree candidates from high-ranking universities. Content consists of board games, card games, interactive games, improvisation, moderate exercise, and instructional mini-segments about the brain. These are presented in 50-minute segments every hour.
- Workshops, tournaments, and special courses. kSero is offering special programs for both elementary and middle/early high school age students. These consist of a video research project, board game tournaments, and workshops designed to improve specific skills and knowledge not covered in other formats. One of the emphasis areas is diet and lifestyle, since research and kSero's client experiences have demonstrated its importance in brain development and performance. Parents sign up for these separately; detailed information is provided on the reverse side of the Enrollment Form. Click here to learn more about our exciting workshops, tournaments, and special courses!
Program Details
When you sign up for a Summer Brain Prep Club Membership, your child progresses through a sequence of fun computer-based and group-based activities, as well as participating in any workshops or special programs you select. Each day, a member has a specific agenda with the activities listed for that day and an assigned Summer Club Counselor who guides him/her through the scheduled activities and supports progress.
kSero professionals direct all activities and workshops, and monitor each club member's program and progress. Trained Summer Club Counselors will lead group activities and guide Club members through their daily agenda. (Note: for an additional fee, kSero professionals can design a customized program based on grades, teacher comments, and standardized test scores. Please call 804-360-5976 for more information.) Club members engage in one or more of the following:
Program activities priced by the hour, with 30-hour recommended minimum
- Computer-based programs (self-paced)
- Counselor-led group activities
- Board game tournaments (subject to minimum enrollment)
- Workshops led by a professional staff member (see back of Enrollment Form)
- Special course (see back of Enrollment Form)
Scheduling. Parents select the specific days and times of day, on a first-come first-served basis. We recommend that club members attend at least one hour three days per week, in order to benefit from the program. kSero can accommodate up to 40 members each day, with programs beginning at 9:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, June 12 - Thursday, August 31. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available for additional fees.
Snacks and lunch. kSero provides healthy snacks at mid-morning and mid-afternoon for members. Most allergies can be accommodated. Lunches may be purchased separately for those members scheduled to attend between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Food may not be brought into the Center.
Parent orientation (strongly encouraged). Parents wishing to learn more about program details, including the cognitive and academic training systems, can attend one of the free, optional parent orientation sessions on June 6 (5:00 pm), or June 10 (9:00 am).
We would be honored to have your child enrolled in the Summer Brain Prep Club. Click here to fill out our enrollment form, or contact us today!