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    Birdville ISD 2012-2013

What is Destination ImagiNation?  Destination ImagiNation is an extracurricular, school-sponsored program that fosters creativity, team-based problem-solving skills and life skills for students in kindergarten through college.  The goal of Destination ImagiNation is to cultivate the creative problem solving process and make it an unconscious part of students’ everyday lives.  Competitions start at the local level in January or February and culminate at the national level in May.

Teams participate in both the Team Challenge and Instant Challenge portions of the competition.  The Team Challenge solution is developed by a team over a 5-7 month period.  The team presents its creative solution at competition in a skit using drama, music, art, and engineering.  Team Challenges build students’ confidence through commitment to task and group interaction.  Instant Challenges are designed to teach students how to think quickly, creatively and strategically.  At competition, the team is given an Instant Challenge they have never seen.  For example, a team may be asked to tell the judge about a mouse’s happiest day, create a team story using a given set of items, manipulate materials to build a structure, or develop a non-verbal communication system with team members to complete a given task.  Team members have a few minutes to think and develop strategy and a brief period of time to respond to the challenge.  Both the Team Challenges and Instant Challenges provide and promote opportunities to develop life-long skills that are essential in our ever-changing world.

What does it take to form a team?  A maximum of seven students are placed on an age appropriate team.  At least one parent volunteer is also necessary to be the Team Manager.  The Team Manager helps the students stay on schedule, gather materials and guide them through the problem-solving process.  Time outside of school is about two hours each week, gradually increasing as competition time approaches. 

What is required of a Destination ImagiNation parent?  Parents must make every effort to have the student at every practice or work session.  Parents must not contribute ideas or help prepare any part of the solution.    Parent volunteers make this program possible.  You will have many opportunities to help. 

Is there Team Manager training available?  Yes, absolutely!  Consider volunteering as a Team Manager; it’s a great way to get your creative juices flowing!  Training resources include the Team Manager’s manual, regular Team Manager training sessions and workshops, and helpful, experienced school coordinators who can guide you through the entire Destination ImagiNation program!  No special skills are required to be a Team Manager other than your willingness to work with a great, creative group of kids!  Each year, sadly, we have kids who want to participate but can’t because we need more Team Managers.  Please consider taking this on or sharing the responsibility with someone with whom you enjoy working.

How do we sign up?  Turn in the completed registration form to your school office by the deadline on the registration form. Every attempt will be made to place each student who registers on a team.  We will be limited only by the number of adults who are willing to be Team Managers.