Buffalo Grove
Identify the Talent in You!
Best Brains Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, and Niles invite students in Grades 1–8 to showcase their skills, build confidence, and enjoy a fun-filled day of friendly competition at our “Identify the Talent in You!” (ITIY) event.
This event is open to the public. We warmly welcome non-Best Brains students to participate!
Why Join the ITIY Event - A new school year means new academic goals. This is a fantastic chance to see how well your child is prepared for lifelong success. This event is highly recommended to encourage:
Academic Growth: Build critical thinking skills and tackle new concepts.
Recognition & Achievement: Celebrate personal satisfaction and earn awards.
Community & Networking: Meet local families and enjoy a fun, motivating atmosphere.
Children can choose to participate in a Math Contest, Public Speaking Contest, Spelling Bee, or multiple competitions!
Event Details
· When: Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
· Where: National India Hub, Schaumburg, Illinois
Alternative location and day-time:
We want every student to participate. You can opt for alternative options on the registration form.
Note: All alternative testing must be completed before September 13th.
· Community Fun: Along with student competitions, parents join an experiential session of our expert speaker Ms Anitha Bellary from Poornamidam School of Yoga. There are other BestBrains parents who run small business OR run non profits. We welcome them to Connect with others to share their resources/skills.
Pricing: THIS IS FREE event.
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/BB-ITIY OR scan the QR code, given on the flyer.
Featured Expert Talk- This year, we are honored to invite Ms. Anitha Bellary, a dedicated Family Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Chinmaya Mission Sevika. She runs the Poornamidam School of Yoga (https://www.poornamidam.org) , focusing on wholesome well-being through ancient wisdom.
For Parents: While the children work hard on their contest problems, parents and adults are invited to attend an engaging, experiential yoga session with her. Learn simple yoga techniques to help you manage energy and mood.”
Event Timeline
- Kids: Move to the designated testing area.
- Parents: Explore the local small business booth. Also visit the booth hosted by our community's non-profits. Everything is run by our BB parents. We provide this to connect to larger BB community.
· 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM – Math Contest Testing
- Kids: Contest testing window.
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- Parents: Join Ms. Anitha Bellary for an interactive session on "Healing and Wholesome Wellbeing."
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- Kids: Enjoy fun team-building games and snacks.
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- All Attendees: All students, teachers and parents gather in the main stage area for live Spelling Bee competition.
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- Award distribution ceremony and official event wrap-up.
Math Contest Details
· Timing: The test lasts exactly 30 minutes. Everyone starts at the same time.
· Seating: All grade levels compete simultaneously.
Test proctors will monitor the kids during the test.
· Test Level: Students receive a test paper appropriate for their current grade.
· Grading: Teachers will grade the papers immediately following the 30-minute session.
· Prizes: The top three winners from each grade level will receive prizes on the same day, alongside other competition winners.
Math Contest FAQ
1. Do the participants get to keep the test papers after the competition?
2. Where will the math competition be held? At National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois.
3. Who can participate in the math competition?
· Grades: Open to all children entering 1st through 8th grade for the upcoming school year.
· Eligibility: Open to both current Best Brains students and non-students. Friends, classmates, and family members are welcome!
· Fairness: Children only compete against other students in their exact same grade level.
· For Best Brains Students: Your child is already well-prepared! Our weekly core curriculum is specifically designed to keep students sharp, confident, and highly competitive.
· For Non-Best Brains Students: Welcome! We are excited to have you join us and showcase your skills. All of you learn and practice math concepts, which are taught at school. This math contest works on the standard school curriculum.
· The test covers core math concepts based on official school grade guidelines.
· It includes mental math and timed arithmetic drills to build speed.
· Questions require critical thinking and logical problem-solving steps.
· The structure ensures kids feel comfortable working independently under a 30-minute time limit.
Yes. Please ensure your child brings pencils, an eraser, and a clipboard. Math tools like rulers and protractors are not required.
8. What if I’m late to the Contest?
Max. 10 minutes late arrival is allowed but you will get less time to complete the test.
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Spelling Bee Final Round Details
Final Round Instructions & Format:
The finals will use a timed showdown format to determine our grade-level champions.
· Stage Setup: Your child will take the stage while other finalist from their same grade waits with nose canceling headphones..
· The Words: Both finalists will be given the exact same 5 words. One child will spell their words while the opponent waits wearing noise-canceling headphones.
· How to Win: The student with the highest number of correctly spelled words wins.
· The Tiebreaker: If both kids spell the same number of words correctly, the finalist with the lowest total time on the clock wins.
· The Timer: The clock starts the exact moment the pronouncer finishes saying the word. The clock stops the moment your child says the final letter and repeats the word.
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Steps for the Student at stage:
1. Listen: The pronouncer will say the word clearly.
2. Ask Questions: You can ask for a definition or for the word to be used in a sentence. Note: The timer keeps running while you ask questions, so be quick!
3. Spell: Say the letters clearly and loudly.
4. Signal Finish: Pronounce the word one last time after your last letter so the judges know you are finished and can stop the clock.
5. How to Skip: If you do not know a word and want to save time, say "Skip" loud and clear to move to the next word.
Postponed at this point
Public Speaking Contest Details- 2026
· Timing: Each speaker is allocated a strict time limit of 2 minutes to deliver their speech.
· Format: Students will present an original speech based on a pre-selected prompt assigned to their grade level.
· Evaluation: A panel of judges will score contestants on content, delivery, body language, voice modulation, and confidence.
· Prizes: The top three speakers from each grade division will receive awards on the same day during the closing ceremony.
Public Speaking FAQ
1. Will the students know the speech topic beforehand?
Yes! Speech topics and prompts will be sent to parents via emails after registration is completed.
2. Where will the Public Speaking competition be held? At National India Hub Schaumburg.
3. Who can participate in the Public Speaking contest?
· Grades: Open to all children from 1st through 8th grade.
· Eligibility: Open to both current Best Brains students and non-students.
· Fairness: Students are grouped by grade bands so they present alongside peers of a similar developmental level.
4. How can I register? https://tinyurl.com/BB-ITIY
5. How can my child prepare for the competition?
· For Best Brains Students: Use the speech structure principles taught in our Public Speaking program. Practice maintaining eye contact and projection.
· For Non-Best Brains Students: Welcome! We encourage writing a simple, structured speech (Introduction, Body, Conclusion) and your own thoughts. Practice it in front of family members.
6. What else should I know about the Public Speaking structure?
· Speeches must be the original work of the student.
· Reading directly from a script is discouraged; students can use small cue cards only if necessary.
· This contest strictly evaluates-
v Introduction – Capturing attention and stating the topic
v Organization – Clear beginning, middle, and end
v Content & Details – Strong ideas with supporting examples
v Clarity – Easy to follow and understand
v Voice & Volume – Strong and steady delivery
v Expression & Engagement – Using energy, emotion, or emphasis
v Body Language & Eye Contact – Confidence in posture and audience connection
v Timing – Staying within given time limit.
7. Do we need to bring any supplies?
Students only need to bring their printed speech notes or cue cards if they plan to use them.
No other props or digital presentations (like PowerPoint) are permitted.
This seems like a perfect opportunity for kids to showcase their skills, gain experience, and have fun doing it.
Are you planning to participate? Do you know a friend who might be interested?
Share the link https://bestbrains.com/buffalo-grove/math-contest widely to get more joyful contest day- 2026.
