Published: November 25, 2007 12:12 am            

Destination ImagiNation teams prepare for events

PALESTINE — Story Elementary School’s Destination ImagiNation teams are about to set out for a destination limited only by their imaginations. The teams are made of GT classes from students in grades 3-5. Facilitator is Jennifer Sparks.

First-time teams (made up of students of similar age on teams of up to seven members) will be participating in a regional tournament March 1, 2008 in Mesquite. More than 10,000 teams participated in this program last year.

Over the next weeks and/or months, four teams will work together (over an eight to 12 week period) to solve many challenges.

No interference is allowed from anyone outside the team. Adult managers act as facilitators to a team. Team manager training is provided by experienced trainers in all affiliates.

Destination ImagiNation is a community-based, school-friendly program that builds participants’ creativity, problem solving, and teamwork in enjoyable and meaningful ways. The goals of Destination ImagiNation are for participants to foster creative and critical thinking. Students learn and apply the Creative Problem Solving method and tools. They develop teamwork, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Teamwork is developed by using the eight building blocks for successful teams. Research and inquiry skills are nurtured, involving both creative exploration and attention to detail. Students become aware of the Improv technique (enhance and apply written and verbal communication and presentation skills).

The program encourages and promotes the recognition, use, and development of many and varied strengths and talents. It encourages competence in, enthusiasm for, and commitment to real-life problem solving. Instance Challenges engage participants in rapid-fire critical thinking.

Team Challenges engage participants in sustained problem solving.

Tournaments are a celebration of what the team has accomplished and the process learned. Solutions are evaluated and reward points are a component of Instant and Team Challenges. Appraisers are trained to reward the process that the team has experienced. Special awards are given for exceptional creativity, teamwork, and innovation. At the end of the Destination ImagiNation season, teams have an active reflection time.

The state tournament will be held April 4-5, 2008 in Round Rock. Global Finals will be May 21-24, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn.

        

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