The Odyssey of the Mind international program teaches kids incredible skills. Like, how to work well with other members of their team, how to solve problems in creative ways, and how to think on their feet when faced with questions or challenges. Solving spontaneous tasks is one of the ways teams develop these skills.
There are 3 types of tasks: verbal, hands-on, and a combination of both.
Team members are given about 10-15 minutes to respond one at a time, as creativity as they can, to a question or challenge right on the spot. Scoring depends on the task but additional points are always awarded for exemplary creativity, teamwork, and unusual or humorous responses.
During my years as coach, I often wondered why other types of teams, like sports, classrooms, or theater, didn’t add this type of training into their practice sessions. Maybe it’s because they don’t have time. (Teachers, I see you!) Maybe they’re unaware of its benefits. Or maybe they just don’t know how to find resources.
Now that I’m not coaching anymore, I’ve decided to create a resource for you!
I cracked open my old coaching binders and dug up my most well-loved spontaneous practice problems. I also scanned numerous websites, like odysseyofthemind.com, nepaootm.com, tnodysseyofthemind.wordpress.com, and socalodyssey.org for their recommendations as well. The resources out there are amazing and there’s no way I will ever be able to compile lists like those. Instead, I’m sharing some of my favorites, the ones I’ve used and found to be fun, effective, and easy to facilitate. I’ve also made up some of my own. If you know me, you may be able to tell which ones they are!
I hope you’ll give them a try because not only do they encourage creative problem-solving, public speaking, and teamwork skills, they’re fun for kids too.
Scroll down for free downloads of each. Have fun with your team & good luck!