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In previous tips, you’ve seen the reminder to end with something FUN. And by this point the team might be needing something more than a round of compliments. So here are some ideas of things to try.
Look at the list of things that need to be completed in order to solve the problem (if you created a list). Which of those things does the team think they can finish in a longer 3-4 hour session?
It would be considered Outside Assistance for the coach to direct the team’s performance. But the coach (or a parent volunteer) can give short stagecraft SKILLS lessons.
One of the most important volunteer opportunities that OM has to offer is being a judge or an official. Officials are the faces of Odyssey of the Mind that teams will remember about their experience. So make it memorable and HAVE FUN as you get an insider’s view of OM teams and their creativity!
What is Style? Style is the team’s WOW factor! It’s what makes the team’s performance memorable to the judges and audience members.
If your team can handle it, here is a way they can each become experts on specific, important parts of solving the Long-Term problem. All team members should become experts on the LT problem.
Teaching your team members how to organize themselves, how to make and keep calendars, the importance of checklists, and how to divide labor is NOT considered Outside Assistance.
Once the team has chosen the long-term (LT) problem, it’s time to start brainstorming different parts of the problem. This should be exciting for everyone!
To narrow down the choices, consider reading only Section A of each problem to the team and then ask the question, “What sounds like fun in this problem?”
The time before your team really starts solving the problem is a GREAT time for Spontaneous problems and getting to know the team member’s strengths.