Last week we approached the subject of how to teach teamwork. How do you teach creativity? Check out pp. 11-12 of the Program Guide. What are some examples of times that you felt very creative? What skills helped you in that creative process? What can you take from those creative successes that you can pass along to your team members?

"Twas the Day Before Thanksgiving!" Is Thanksgiving Dinner a team effort at your house? How do you teach team effort to kids? While you're enjoying a post-turkey rest break, check out page 11 - Teaching Teamwork - to read what you can do as the coach to help kids learn how to work as part of a team.

As your teams get started, it is important to take some time to get to know each other. As a coach, it is a good time to get to know the parents as well. Helpful information may be found starting on page 8 of the Program Guide. Check out the section about getting to know the parents as they can provide a wealth of information and resources for your team.

As an Odyssey of the Mind coach, you can learn and grow right along with the team.  Check out page 6 of the Program Guide - Getting the Most Out of Your Odyssey of the Mind Experience.  It talks about the coach being the driving force behind the team.  What are some ways you can guide students, keep them on task and schedule, and encourage team members while still allowing the team to create the ideas and performance?

You have generously donated your time to coach an Odyssey of the Mind team, but what exactly does that mean? Check out page 7 - Role of the Coach - to learn more and of course, remember to attend a Coaches Training for valuable information.

What, exactly, is an Odyssey Membership?  Memberships can be schools, community groups, non-profit youth organizations, home school associations, etc. Check out page 16 of the Program Guide to find out what will be the best membership for you.  Remember, once you have a group membership, you'll have access to the FULL Odyssey problems and Program Guide online at the national Odyssey site, and you'll receive your own copy of this year's Program Guide and problems through the mail shortly after you register your organization.

Ready to get started with your team but don't know where to start? Check out Getting Started on page 8 of the Program Guide. Remember, a few things change in the Program Guide from year to year, so it's important to view the 2015-2016 version of the Guide. Each membership receives this valuable Program Guide once they register their facility online through our national Odyssey site. There is no need to have teams formed when registering your membership.