Odyssey of the Mind Program Teaches Kids to Hold On to Their Creativity
When I was in elementary school, I would always see the smartest kids in the class participating in this program called “Odyssey of the Mind.” I always wanted to do it, but my parents didn’t have enough time to take me around, so I just sat there admiring these kids and wish that I could be one of them.
It was a pleasant surprise to find out that my children’s school had their own Odyssey of the Mind program. I quickly signed up to learn more about it. I definitely got more excited when I found out that our school’s PTA was funding the program. Last night, I went to the parent meeting.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program, so kids all over the world compete. However, for kids in first and second grade, they are in a non-competitive division, which I think it’s great at that age. They are presented a certificate at the end to indicate the completion of the program.
During the year, kids have to answer one problem. For my kids’ team, we have to answer the following one:
Primary: Surprise Party Grades K-2 The team is to create and present a humorous performance that includes a Surprise Party for a team-created character. The theme of the party is a surprise because it is being given for something that is not normally celebrated. Partygoers will give three gifts that help symbolize the theme of the party. The performance will also include an original party “noisemaker” that makes an unusual sound instead of a loud sound. Cost limit: $125 USD.
As you can see, there is a cost limit of $125. This is for all the materials used for the project. There are also short-term problems that the kids have to answer in a quick and spontaneous fashion.
This program is great because it teaches children to hold on to their creativity. Like the coordinator said, after 1st grade, children tend to lose that for one reason or the other. This helps them encapsulate that. I see how creative both of my children are. Isabelle spends her day drawing and painting, while Cebastian loves to build things with his Legos. I don’t want them to lose that, so I am glad that this program is around.
A parent or two usually coaches the team. This other mother and I volunteered to be co-coaches. I can use my organizational and time management skills to keep the kids on task. I already created a Google Calendar for us that has all the meetings and events, and used Google Docs to keep track of the contact list.
I think it also helps children with their problem-solving skills, which is very important when they go out in the real world. It is for all types of kids, so it’s not just for the outgoing child, but also for the shy child who stands in the back. One thing that the teachers have been telling is that Cebastian and Isabelle tend to not want to get involved in group activities. They are like me where they prefer to work independently. I am hoping that this program helps them want to work as a team. Even if you don’t want to work in a team, you usually do. I want to prepare them for that.
If your child’s school has this program, then definitely check it out. I am going to see if I can even create team shirts. I will have the kids be creative and come up with the design. =)
