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Program Builds Kids' Mental Muscles, Character

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By Kris DiGiovanni

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 22, 2008

Updated: 05/22/2008 01:11 am

I'd like to tell you about some ordinary kids who do extraordinary things. Yours might even be one of them.

Every year about this time you can see thousands of them demonstrating their incredible abilities at regional Odyssey of the Mind competitions around the Bay area.

This year, hundreds of groups of up to seven kids in elementary, middle and high schools are solving one of five problems in their own unique and highly creative ways. Some are demonstrating their theory of how dinosaurs became extinct. Others are designing and building a vehicle that performs specific tasks. Still others are creating structures made of balsa wood that balance heavy weights on golf balls.

Many teams have been working since September, or even earlier on their particular problems. By now they have developed and honed their ideas into original props, costumes, structures and storylines. They have used their innate creativity and imagination to produce wonders of construction, drama and innovation. And the neatest thing about their finished products is that they have done every bit of it by themselves.

As a past coach and current co-coach of the Odyssey teams, I can tell you that the rules are very strict about helping the kids. The ideas and the work all have to be the kids' own. Other than demonstrating a technique, such as how to use a sewing machine or a saw, coaches' input is pretty much limited to asking two questions, "Are you done yet?" and "Is that the best you can do?"

But the amazing part is that the kids come through. They arrive at solutions adults would never have thought of. They build things in ways adults would never have imagined. They have ideas adults never would have considered. The process is a joy to watch. They are disorganized, goofy and often don't manage their time wisely. But just when you (the coach) have despaired that they will ever get it together, they do.

On the day of the competition, they are spectacular. Even if their set falls down or their vehicle blows up, they emerge as champions. And in those moments, you love each and every one of them as if they were your own. Better yet, they come away with a sense of enjoyment, teamwork and accomplishment that is unmatched by any academic project they will ever do.

Many people think Odyssey is just for the really smart kids, but every kid is a "really smart kid" in one way or another.

If your son is flunking English but takes apart the toaster to see how it works, he is Odyssey material. If your daughter can't figure out the multiplication tables to save her life, but makes all her dolls' clothing, she is perfect for Odyssey, too. In fact, just about any kid who is curious, has a sense of humor and likes to show off a bit is right for the program.

You can learn more about Odyssey of the Mind by visiting www.odysseyofthemind.com. Next fall, I hope you'll think about attending the Odyssey of the Mind information night at your child's school, or respond to the notice in the school newsletter or flyer.

If you've every believed your child was truly special, this program will give you the chance to see how absolutely right you are.

Kris DiGiovanni is a teacher in Tampa.

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