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Spontaneous Tips

Spontaneous is a big part of competition and can make a difference in how the team places, but it should always be fun. Use problems that the kids really enjoy.

For first year teams, start slowly and do not limit the time for giving responses. You may want them to write out their responses initially and then share the ones they feel are most creative. Encourage them to analyze why a response is common or creative.

Young teams can get overwhelmed by extremely hard problems at first, but if you let them build their confidence and have fun they will soon be able to tackle more complicated problems with ease and enthusiasm. You’ll know you’ve selected a problem that is too difficult when you get the “deer in the headlights” look.

Letting team members take turns being the "judge" is very effective.

Practice all three kinds of Spontaneous problems.

Practice at least 1 verbal or hands on problem at each meeting.

Have your team do each problem twice. After they do a problem the first time, discuss which responses were creative and why. Doing a problem twice can help build confidence, especially with younger kids. It also helps them to understand the difference between common and creative responses.

If possible, practice spontaneous in a different room from where they work on the long term solution. Have them line up and quietly walk to the "spontaneous" room. This gives them time to “shift gears” and focus on something new.

Have the teams practice standing tall and speaking loudly and clearly when they do spontaneous. Acting confident can build confidence. Remember, you can't be the Director for their long term solution, but you can help them learn to project their voices and to become aware of their body language when doing spontaneous. Hopefully, it will carry over to their long term performance.

In a verbal problem, some kids like to ham it up and use a funny voice or sing their response. Encourage this while reminding them to watch the time.

Consider recruiting a parent to act as “spontaneous shopper.” Select a few “hands on” problems and write out a shopping list of items needed for your teams to do each problem twice. Saves you lots of time and you will be more likely to practice ‘hands on” if you have materials handy.