Big Ideas Come to Life When We Work Together!

SOCIAL COGNITION SKILL BUILDING THROUGH COLLABORATIVE GAMES, STEM ACTIVITIES & CREATIVE PROJECTS

For Elementary Schoolers in Grades K-5

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR FALL 2025

(scroll down for schedule and registration)

**STEAM PROJECTS SPARK COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY AND LEARNING**

Program participants merge imaginations to design and create projects using a variety of building materials. Experimentation and discovery engage intelligent minds in collaborative learning about how things work.

**Collaborative Creativity Lab** responds to the specific needs of intellectually advanced children and supports neurodiversity.

**Collaborative Creativity Lab** is not a social skills group. Our program participants typically know and understand social skills. Asynchronous development and neurodiversity create challenges in skill implementation across a variety of social interactions and situations. Engagement and practice of skills are achieved through the use of interesting games and challenging project work, and problem-solving.

**Collaborative Creativity Lab** Mentors

**Collaborative Creativity** **Lab** provides mentor opportunities for older teens as role models who share the passions of younger group participants to demonstrate collaboration, perspective-taking, and self-regulation.

Collaborative Creativity Lab is a Dual Program that runs simultaneously in Manhattan’s Chelsea/Flatiron District and Sea Cliff Long Island. The program has two primary focuses: Talent Discovery & Development and Social Cognition Skill Building. A variety of projects and activities promote creativity, critical thinking skills and cooperation in an environment that is facilitated by a master mentor with the support of a social worker.

**Using RPGs for Skill Building**

**Collaborative Creativity Lab’s RPG Program** provides an enriching experience that focuses on teamwork, communication, worldbuilding, and problem-solving. What exactly is the best way to face the Crystal Giant? What sort of mythical creatures exist in this plane? Perhaps there is a secret door the party did not consider? What powers and skills does each player bring to the table to face the journey ahead?

Theme-based projects and activities

**Collaborative Creativity Lab** fosters peer relationship-building and collaborative problem-solving as groups work together to complete the day’s project challenge. Projects incorporate aspects of a variety of interest areas including; **building/engineering**, **science and nature**, **culinary arts**, **crafts,** **strategy games and activities**, and **mixed media**.

THE DETAILS:

Collaborative Creativity Lab Meets on Saturdays from 10 am through 11:30 pm.

Fall 2025 Module

September 20, 27

October 4, 11, 18, 25

Nov 1, 8

CCL sessions are held at 268 Sea Cliff Avenue in Sea Cliff, New York. Pick up and drop off will be at 268 Sea Cliff Avenue unless otherwise notified.

All participants should wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for indoor and outdoor activities. No open-toed shoes or sandals - sneakers are most preferable. Participants should bring water bottles to have on hand at outdoor activities.

Fee is $650 and includes all materials. Payment can be made via check, Zelle* or Venmo*. If you wish to pay with a credit card, payment will be $665 (includes a $15 surcharge). Fees can be paid in up to two equal installments of $325 ($333 for credit card payments) on/by, September 15th.

Click here to access registration form.

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SPECIAL INVITATION FOR COLLABORATIVE CREATIVITY LAB PARTICIPANTS IN GRADES 3-5

Talent Development Connection will be offering a special 90 minute Table Top Role Playing Game for younger players who are interested in Dungeons & Dragons. Strategy role playing games support creativity, collaboration, problem solving and self-regulation. This game is offered for younger players who might not be ready to join our regularly scheduled weeknight games. This game will be held from 12 - 1:30 pm on Saturdays. Collaborative Creativity Lab participants will be offered a reduced fee of $25/game (usual fee is $30/game). If you are interested in having your child participate, please email Max (maxsornik@gmail.com)
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Collaborative Creativity Lab sessions are facilitated by adult mentors including a social worker (or art therapist), and youth mentor. Groups and social cognition curriculum are overseen by a licensed master of social work and a licensed clinical social worker. There are mentor opportunities for teens ages 15 - 17. If your teen is interested in a mentor spot, please check the “mentor” option on the registration form.

Talent Development Connection’s programming promotes individual strengths and interests in a safe, supportive environment. Programs are mentor-supported and use talent development to promote critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, and self-efficacy.

TDC is an inclusive environment that supports neurodiversity.