How Odyssey Inclusive Works
Long Term Problem
Each year, an Odyssey of the Mind problem is chosen and adapted for Odyssey Inclusive teams. The end goal of the Long Term Problem is a play performed by the students, which is approximately 10-15 minutes in length. Plays include elements created and selected by the teams such as script elements, creation of props, scenery, and costumes, and performing arts elements such as art, theater, music, and dance.
Three different options for the development of the performance are provided each season, with the coach and team selecting the option that works best for them.
Option 1 An entire script for the performance is provided. Elements of the play (e.g., characters, a song, hairstyles, use of materials) may be decided upon by the team members, with support as appropriate. Either a narrator reads the script or team members read and act out the script, as appropriate. Ideas for props, scenery, and costumes are provided, which are created by team members with support as needed from coaches, parents, or students without disabilities on the team.
Option 2 A “Mad-Libs'' style script is provided with key words missing. Team members (with support as appropriate) decide which words to fill in the blanks. Other elements of the play (e.g., characters, a song, hairstyles, use of materials) may be decided upon by the team members, with support as appropriate. Either a narrator reads the script or team members read and act out the script, as appropriate. Ideas for props, scenery, and costumes are provided, which are created by team members with support as needed from coaches, parents, or students without disabilities on the team.
Option 3 A script outline is provided and team members write the script and act out their play. Team members create their own props, scenery, and costumes. Teams need to write a script that can be performed around 8 minutes (no more than 10 minutes). Ideas for props, scenery, and costumes are provided, which are created by team members with support as needed from coaches, parents, or students without disabilities on the team.
Performance Score
The end result of teams working together is a performance around 10-15 minutes in length at a tournament, showcasing teamwork, visual and performing arts, social skills, appropriate academic skills, and enthusiasm!! All teams presenting solutions are considered winners because they solved the problem to the best of their ability. Teams are scored on required elements of their performance using a star scoring system, earning 1-5 stars for each element. Judges also provide positive “sticky notes” feedback to the team, with encouraging comments about their performance.
You can view the Odyssey Inclusive problem for the 2023-24 season, Rockin’ World Detour. Each season, the Odyssey Inclusive problem details will be provided to teams who purchase an Odyssey of the Mind membership.
Spontaneous
Teams also have an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and teamwork skills by participating in solving a problem on the spot, called Spontaneous. Odyssey of the Mind spontaneous problems have been adapted for Odyssey Inclusive teams, with three options for teams, providing varying levels of accommodations for each problem. Sample adapted spontaneous problems can be found here. More problems will be developed and released to coaches each season.
Spontaneous problems are short problem-solving activities, meant to be solved as a team in about 15 minutes. Teams do not know what problem they will have to solve before the tournament, so they will have to rely on their problem solving abilities and teamwork to successfully complete the task.
Spontaneous problems are provided in three different types: Verbal, Verbal/Hands-On, and Hands-On.
Verbal Spontaneous Problems require teams to give verbal responses to a question provided to them. Responses can be provided by other means such as hand gestures, sign language, PECS, or through their communication devices. They may incorporate improvisation or dramatization. There are no hands-on building elements incorporated in a verbal solution.
In a verbal problem, there is typically “think time” and “response time.” Each team member gives a separate response. Often the team members will get several turns until time or turns run out. Team members may not talk to each other during think time or help each other answer during the response time, unless given permission to do so when the judges explain the problem.
Verbal/Hands On Spontaneous Problems are a combination of creating a tangible solution and including some type of verbal/other means of communication component. For example, teams may be asked to create a new product with materials provided and perform a short commercial selling that item.
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Hands on Spontaneous Problems require teams to use materials to build/develop a solution for the problem. Typical materials can include straws, stir sticks, mailing labels, paperclips, cotton balls, aluminum foil, string, and other common household items. Only the materials provided can be used to solve the problem. Team members may talk and work together unless the problem says they cannot.
Spontaneous Score - Teams are scored on the elements of the type of spontaneous problem they are given to solve at the tournament. The scoring system uses a scale of stars to indicate completion and/or creativity of the elements of the problem. Judges also provide positive “sticky notes” feedback to the team, with encouraging comments about their performance.
Who can participate on an Odyssey Inclusive Team?
In the Odyssey Inclusive program, teams can be composed of students who all qualify for special education services (per school district and federal guidelines), or a mixture of students with and without disabilities, as long as at least 50% of the team members are students with disabilities. Teams can have a mixture of students from kindergarten through post-secondary special education programs.
The Role of the Coach
An Odyssey Inclusive coach’s role is to facilitate the team’s development of their performance. A unique aspect of Odyssey Inclusive is that coaches, parents, and students without disabilities can provide assistance, AS APPROPRIATE, in the creation of elements related to the performance and during the performance. An important thing to remember is that we want the Odyssey Inclusive team members to do whatever they can to contribute to writing the play, acting, singing, and creating props, scenery, costumes, etc. It will be critical for coaches, parents, and students without disabilities to encourage Odyssey Inclusive team members to participate to their fullest extent possible!!! Everyone who participates in Odyssey Inclusive is a winner for their effort and enthusiasm.
The goal is for the team members to learn and to determine how creative they can be. Amazingly, the team members are likely to be much more creative than us adults!!
Check out the Odyssey Inclusive Program Guide for details about and rules for Odyssey Inclusive.