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How to TeamMastermind®

Each TeamMastermind seminar has seven steps. You can either present the seminar in its entirety (you’ll need about an hour), or you can present it over the course of a week. To learn more about these options, click here.

1—Mastermind the Goal

As the facilitator, you’ll start and end each seminar by reflecting on the goal. Although you won’t share this goal with the students, you’ll use it as you prepare to present the material. What can you do to achieve the goal? After the seminar, did you feel that the students gained insight and a working knowledge of the theme?

Keeping the goal in mind throughout the seminar helps you maintain focus and ensures a comprehensive, cohesive experience.

2—Mastermind the Discussion

Next, you’ll read an essay that introduces the theme to be explored. This essay is a springboard for your own ideas, personal knowledge, and insight. We recommend that you understand it well enough to present the theme as a sort of animated monologue — and to add bits of wisdom and personal experience as you see fit. Kids prefer material that seems “off the cuff.” This approach also allows you to make eye contact with students and to gauge interest levels and energy levels in the room.

3—Mastermind the Story

Once you’ve introduced the topic at hand, it’s helpful to have a bit of corroboration. And it’s especially validating when Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, the Brothers Grimm, and Aesop seemingly agree with the premise! At least one reading is suggested with each seminar, although you should feel free to substitute different readings as you see fit. As with the discussion, an animated storytelling demeanor helps keep the children engaged and focused on the concept.

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