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"Destination
Imagination (D.I.) is an international educational program that
provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students
from kindergarten through college. Supporting many
brain-based educational theories, D.I.'s aim is to facilitate
activities that light a fire in the imagination, and that
prepare kids to solve tomorrow's problems, most of which we
cannot yet begin to envision or comprehend. Kids apply
their creativity to solve problems that range from building
mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of
literary classics. D.I. is not a competition about
knowledge; it is all about creativity, an often overlooked
element in the growth and development of many students."
(taken from the Destination Imagination website)
The Academy D.I.
tutorial class will use the D.I. principles, but will not form
membership teams for outside competitions. It will be
adapted for The Academy format and will meet 90 minutes per week
for 30 weeks (two 15 week semesters). Students will learn
skills that last a lifetime. They will work in teams to
learn cooperation and respect for the ideas of others (critical
for home school students). They will evaluate ideas,
create solutions and make decisions on their own, gaining
greater self-confidence and increased self-esteem along the
way. They work within a budget and learn to manage
money. They will see that there is often more than one way
to solve a problem, and that sometimes the process is more
important than the end result. Students will learn to be
resourceful by scraping together parts and recycling supplies
for solving their problems. They will be encouraged to
take risks in developing their solutions to problems so that
they learn how to succeed through experimentation.
Why is D.I. for
beneficial for homeschoolers?
- They will learn
to work in teams and experience teamwork and team-building.
- If your student
is creative and imaginative, this is the place for them to
shine.
- If your student
struggles academically this will probably be the highlight
of their school year.
- It encourages
students to take safe risks.
- It promotes
independent thinking.
- It will
challenge--and maybe even frustrate--your gifted learner!
Text: No formal textbook is use. However, student will
need to bring as many of these items to the first class as
possible. Please start collecting and saving now:
cardboard tubes (from paper towels, toilet paper, wrapping
paper, etc.), egg cartons, old billiard/pool balls, shoe boxes
with lids, aluminums plates (pot pies, dessert pies, trays etc),
drinking straws, Styrofoam meat trays (clean, any size), milk
cartons (not plastic jugs), ribbon, string, rubber bands, office
labels, envelopes, paper (all sizes and colors), round cardboard
containers (oatmeal, corn meal, etc.)
Student Must Supply: lined paper,
pencils, markers, 2 black Sharpie markers, highlighters,
scissors, 2 rolls masking tape, 1 package of paper plates, 1 box
paper clips, 1 package index cards, 1 box straws, ruler, pens,
plus recyclable materials listed under text.
Tutor provides: Tutor
compiled printed and hands-on materials.
Questions on placement? Contact
tutor at v.swedlund@comcast.net
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