PRIMARY COACHING

It's OK: it's Primary!

The main purpose of the Primary level of OM is to introduce students, parents and coaches to the Odyssey of the Mind program.

• Have fun! If you don't get ALL the "requirements” of the problem completed, it's OK: it's Primary!

• If the kids can't memorize, write or even have a script, it's OK: it's Primary!

• If the 8 minute presentation time only lasts 1 min and 30 sec, it's OK: it's Primary!

• If not all the kids show up at the regional event, it's OK: it's Primary!

• If the kids never become "great" at Spontaneous, it's OK: it's Primary!

• If you don't practice every week, it's OK: it's Primary!

• If you can't keep their focus even when you try changing up or shortening your practice routine, it's OK: it's Primary!

Hopefully you get the drift of the above? And well, if not, , it's OK: it's Primary!

Primary IS a part of Odyssey of the Mind, an important part - the FUTURE! We encourage you to keep the right focus (it's OK: it's Primary!): Learn, build and develop the future creative thinkers!! There will be Primary teams who do it all (costumes, sets, scripts, etc). And there will be teams that do a less. Regardless, they do participate, create and invent a unique, all-their-own solution! Odyssey of the Mind is about the DOING and not the end result.

Here are some suggestions...

• Keep the team focused - have one or two goal(s) per practice and accomplish those!

• Communicate well with parents - daily accomplishments, "shopping lists”, snack assignments, upcoming practice dates, etc

• Be patient! A lot of terms are new to the kids. Take time to help them understand the concepts and terms! Help them understand the problem.

• DO NOT stress yourself out. It's OK: it's Primary! A stressed out coach = a grouchy coach = a poor experience for EVERYONE!

• Enjoy the creative process - because watching the little brains create IS A JOY!

Remember it's because of YOU, the coaches, that there is a FUTURE in your school district for Odyssey of the Mind!! Thank you!!