1. Spontaneous First-Year Coaches

2. 2  Separate from Long-Term and Style  Types of Spontaneous Problems Verbal – solve with multiple verbal responses Hands-on – create a physical solution Verbal/Hands-on (Hybrid) – has aspects of both  Teams will have only one problem at tournament, but they should practice all three types  Only 5 team members can compete at tournament, but practice with all Primary teams - all 7 may compete Spontaneous

3. 3 Typically has “thinking time” and “response time” Each team member gives a separate response in sequence Score: typically 1 point per common response, 3 or 5 per creative or humorous May have to build a story – more creative on how they enhance the story Don’t have to create a solution (e.g. time machine), just name it Verbal Spontaneous Problems

4. 4 Example: “You discover mice in your home. How do you get rid of them?” – Common responses: Use mousetraps Get a cat – Creative responses: Lay trail of cheese to neighbor’s house Build a mouse wheel for them to play on outside Verbal Spontaneous Problems

5. 5 Team members may talk and work together unless problem says they cannot Only the materials provided can be used to solve the problem (some may not be altered) May have Part I (build & practice) and Part II (run for score) or only one time period (build, practice & tested for score) Score: Based on how well the team solved the problem, the creativity of its solution, and teamwork Hands-On Spontaneous Problems

6. 6 Example: “Create the tallest structure you can with the following materials: 8 Dixie cups 1” cube of clay 4 mailing labels 2 paper clips 20 toothpicks 2’ piece of yarn Scissors (may not be altered, may not be part of solution) Hands-On Spontaneous Problems

7. 7 May have separate Hands-On and Verbal segments – Part I – “Use these materials to build inhabitants of a zoo.” – Hands-on: team members can talk and work together – Part II – “On your turn tell how the inhabitants might interact with each other.” – Verbal: team members give individual responses Verbal/Hands-On Spontaneous Problems

8. 8 May be verbal problem with props – “On your turn, select two items from the table and use them to describe the best (or worst) birthday party” – A plastic cup – A pinwheel – A birthday candle – A noise maker – A birthday napkin – A bouncy ball Verbal/Hands-On Spontaneous Problems

9. 9 Help kids become comfortable with brainstorming and creative use of materials DO NOT do full problems until January Practice spontaneous skills every meeting Can be used to “limber up” minds for long-term or style work Can be used as choreographed brainstorming Spontaneous score is almost 30% of total Don’t leave until last minute Developing Spontaneous Skills

10. 10 Don’t assume limits that aren’t really there Practice problems available – Books of past problems (don’t need to read all verbiage to team for early practice) – Resources on the internet Can have parents or team members help create and/or set up problems There is no Outside Assistance in Spontaneous Developing Spontaneous Skills

11. 11 Generate many responses during thinking time Listen to each other (teamwork) Don’t wait to be called Speak loudly and clearly Make jokes, rhyme, sing, have fun! What to do when you’re stuck Afterward, review answers with team Practicing Verbal Spontaneous

12. 12 – Everyone should be involved and have a role – Listen carefully to the rules May you talk and work together? Two-part or one-part problem? How are you scored? (Go for the max!) – Explore creative uses of common items How can you make it long? How can you make it strong? How can you make it stand up and not fall over? – If the problem doesn’t say you can’t, then you can (if in doubt, ask a judge) – Don’t run out of time! Practicing Hands-On Spontaneous

13. Thank You! Questions? Contact Mary Francavilla Coaches Mentor 720-934-4059 coaches@coloradoodyssey.org