Dr. Cassandra Chapman is a Director at Brain Power Enrichment Programs. She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science of Language from McMaster University. She has been training bright and talented kids (like you) at Brain Power for nearly a decade! She knows the importance of a growth mindset from her own academic training as well as from her experience as an educator.

Competing in a triathlon requires a lot of perseverance, strength, and determination. Congratulations! We know just how much time and effort goes into training for a competition of this sort. While there is no question that one needs to practice and train with experts in order to become a talented athlete, we might not see education in the same light. However, at Brain Power, we know that the only way to truly become a critical and creative thinker is to train your brain, just like you might train your body. The best way to train one’s brain is to be involved in critical and engaging discussions with experts in their fields and to really push the boundaries of your thinking.

One might ask, are my children too young to be engaged in philosophical and critical thinking? At Brain Power, we think that a child is never too young to start thinking outside the box and questioning the world around them. The best way to raise inquisitive kids is to encourage them to ask the difficult questions and to learn that there is always another question they can be asking.

How do we achieve this type of thinking at Brain Power? We use the following guiding principles:

Acceleration

Our programs are accelerated, meaning that we teach students at 2-3 grade levels above Ministry Standards, even with our youngest learners. Students are placed in age-appropriate groups to enable students to learn with like-minded individuals at a faster and accelerate pace. This ensures that students remain focused and engaged, and not bored, a risk that can lead to demotivation if students are not adequately challenged. In an accelerated, small group environment, students are encouraged to think critically and engage with material they may not have encountered before.

Complexity

Our programs are complex and do not rely on memorization strategies. Our class-based discussions require that students evaluate literature, their world view, current events, and so much more. Being able to critique one’s views as well as the views of those around them encourages students to develop cognitive skills and develop critical and creative thinking. This gives them a new outlook when approaching a new theory or piece of literature. Complex thinking begins at a young age and can even be encouraged using picture books!

Engagement

Small class sizes encourage engagement in the classroom. All students are expected to participate and share their opinion each class. Students learn that their opinion matters and will be taken seriously. Our classrooms develop a sense of community within a few weeks and we work together to foster discussions that can be extended and continued at home. Our community atmosphere is also evident in our extra-curricular events which take place outside the classroom at the local theatre or other community-based environments.

Academic Mentorship

Students thrive when they have the right mentor. Brain Power staff are all experts in their fields and encourage creative thinking in each class. Students are pushed to challenge their own world view as well as the world view of the classroom. We are always open to new and creative ways of thinking about the world around us.

Feedback

In order to develop critical thinking skills, students need adequate support and feedback. We believe that students can learn best through a growth mindset. Academic talent can be fostered and grow with appropriate feedback and mentorship. We don’t say, “I can’t.” Instead, we say, “I will know how to do this task soon.” Students are each supported individually on their own journey.

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Are you ready to train your brain, just like you have worked so hard to train your body? Visit our website to learn more: www.brainpower.ca and visit our booth at TRi KiDS Burlington on June 8! We can’t wait to meet you!