Thinking Outside The BOx

Do your children think they have all the answers?   

“Thinking Outside The BOx" is just the right thing for them! 

This class will give your child the opportunity to learn how to think on their feet and spend time in a wonderfully stimulating and creative environment while learning how to tackle challenging problems.

The class usually starts with a brain warm up question or challenge, followed by a presentation and open discussion on a specific concept/topic, such as brainstorming, team building, problem solving, creativity learning, leadership development, etc and ends with a subject related hands-on project or activity, individual or team oriented.

Children use their imagination to  build and create all sorts of contraptions, structures, bridges, vehicles, creatures, etc out of all kind of materials such as pasta, marshmallows, straws, toothpicks, elastic bands, paper, clay, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, bubble wrap, yarn, duck tape, card board, etc.

They are introduced to brainstorming techniques such as the "time travel", "mind map", " Venn diagram", "superpowers", "SWOT analysis, “brain writing", etc, They learn and practice the basics of problem solving and conflict resolution, they apply creativity development techniques such as the "De Bono Six Thinking Hats" method of parallel thinking and the "SCAMPER" model of teaching creativity by Bob Eberle. We talk about leadership skills and traits and the crucial relationship amongst effective communication, trust and leadership. 

Students have the opportunity to lead a group brainstorm session, gather, organize and evaluate the answers from their team mates, and lead the team to a consensus and final decision.They work on and solve, individually or in a team, challenging problems and activities such as "human knot", “egg drop”, "paper fold", "blind walk, "balloon toss", etc. 

Most importantly, they will have fun and apply their creative and critical thinking while learning crucial concepts and skills for our new digital increasingly complex and challenging world.

Basic materials needed for the class: markers, scissors, construction paper or white paper, glue stick, scotch tape, duck and masking tape.

As part of the tuition TOB provides all the remaining materials needed for the class and hands-on projects. A bag organized by class can be picked up at 2949 North Lexington Street, Arlington, VA  the weekend before the beginning of each 8 week session.