Destination Imagination?

[karne]

I've posted in LAS, but no responses so far.  I wonder if anyone has experience with Destination Imagination, or perhaps another program like it?  We may have the chance for my 9 y/o to join a team.  I've been looking at the website, videos, etc., and it's certainly seeming like it would be a good fit.  Any problem solving, out of the box, hands on learning is a good fit.  Have any of your kids done something like this?  I'm interested in pros/cons/experiences.

Thanks!

[whatsnextmom]

I didn't respond because we really haven't done this program. I did science olympiad as a teen and both my kids have been on science olympiad teams sporatically (both liked the interaction but neither are big science hounds.) The organizations seem a little different though.

It reads well on paper. Probably worth a try!

[moominmamma]

Originally Posted by karne 

I've posted in LAS, but no responses so far.  I wonder if anyone has experience with Destination Imagination, or perhaps another program like it?  We may have the chance for my 9 y/o to join a team.  I've been looking at the website, videos, etc., and it's certainly seeming like it would be a good fit.  Any problem solving, out of the box, hands on learning is a good fit.  Have any of your kids done something like this?  I'm interested in pros/cons/experiences.

Thanks!

Our local school ran DI teams for a while. It would not have been a good fit for my kids, who are introverted kids who prefer to learn by observing, reading and pondering, rather than by talking and doing and collaborating. A lot of kids seemed to really enjoy it, though.

A word of caution: it can become very time-consuming. For families here part of that was related to the need to travel long distances for competitions, since we're quite rural. But even the preparation and practice at school ... sometimes that took many hours a week. If your child has other passions and commitments outside of school, the lead-up weeks to competitions can become very stressful due to overscheduling.

Miranda

[mamalisa]

It's very popular in our school district.  We've had kids go to globals every year and they love the experience.  If I had time I'd manage a team, but I'm PTA president and have my hands full with that.  I would highly recommend getting him involved with it, it's an extremely positive program and they have grants for scholarship money for college!

[karne]

Thanks for the responses everyone.  Miranda, it's helpful to hear your perspective on what type of learning style fits with the program.  My ds is definitely the talking, doing, collaborating type, and I think group interaction can pretty pretty stimulating, as long as the group does well together.  

Mamalisa, I would love to consider starting a team along with my dh, but I think it would be great to be part of a group and learn the ropes first.

I like that there is an elementary age component to the program.  We've been looking at Lego First league as well.