Odyssey of the Mind workshop helps students think creatively

Come see teams perform on Feb. 28 as they prepare for March regional tournament

Article courtesy of Jean Mackay, Odyssey of the Mind advisor

(Jan. 26, 2011) Teamwork, creativity, and fun were on tap for Voorheesville’s eight Odyssey of the Mind teams on Saturday, January 22, at a “Spontaneous Workshop” held at the elementary school. More than 50 students from Kindergarten through middle school attended. Teams rotated through a series of activities designed to help them prepare for the regional Odyssey of the Mind tournament on March 5, 2011.

Teams began with the task of making a monster using scraps of colored paper. Though each team began with the same materials, the results couldn’t have been more different—and ranged from flat constructions to cone shaped creatures to pop-up creations. Other activities encouraged students to come up with original stories, improvise, and take risks to solve a variety of problems.

The workshop came at an ideal time, as teams have less than six weeks to go until “show time.” Both students and coaches came away with a better sense of their team’s strengths and ways to improve.

Many thanks go to the workshop’s volunteer judges: Chrissi Young, Diana Straut, Rozanne Summerson, Dan Mackay, Gwen Spicer, Bri McAlevy, Steve Relyea, Donna Parker, Jason, Beth and Maya Herr!

Thanks are also due to this year’s coaches for their dedication and hard work with our teams: Jeannie McDonnell, Elizabeth Longden, Darcy Morrison, Judy Strauss, Dan McCrea, Laura Smith, Shanna Anderson, Christine Urschel, Jen Hotaling, Kristine Gravino, Melissa Achille and Tricia Putman.

You’re Invited!
Odyssey of the Mind Dress Rehearsal
Monday, February 28, 2011
6:30 pm
High School PAC

Come and see our Odyssey of the Mind teams perform their creative solutions to this year’s Odyssey challenges. The evening will include eight performances that showcase each team’s original scenery, costumes, and stories. From unusual money making schemes to travels with classical book characters, you’re sure to be impressed. For more information, contact Jean Mackay at mackay4@nycap.rr.com.

	In this photo, a 4th-grade team considers its strategy for solving a technical challenge during the Odyssey of the Mind workshop on Jan. 22.
In this photo, students show off their monster as the workshop kicks off on Jan. 22.