We believe that too many teams and coaches go into the season looking for 

the highest and the best as compared to everyone else. This often leads to 

disappointment and discouragement for the children in the end. We recognize 

our limitations as a new team every year, since we recruit new fifth 

graders that then move on to another school. This allows more children to 

participate and keeps up the level of excitement we often experience with a 

first year team. 



One approach that seems to work is to have the team do THEIR best in ALL 

areas of FLL and not just the table.  By focusing on what we can do BEST 

and doing it well each time leads to smiles all around and not worrying 

about being perfect or getting a perfect score. We don't make excuses for 

being new, but we do what WE can do best.



Have fun! At the tournament, don't get pulled into looking at the robot 

scores that are posted after each round. Teach this to your parents, too. 

Celebrate what the team accomplishes with each round at the table, 

presentation to the judges, and being together as a team. Have fun! 

Remember to let the kids do the work while offering the right amount of 

encouragement and advice. Show your GP by being a good and coach. By the 

way, have fun!



If this was a football game, and all of your attention and effort went into 

one player like the quarterback or in FLL, the robot, would you have a good 

team? Think about playing in rec league when everyone gets to play and 

enjoy the game. Team members have a great time, try not to worry about the 

score, and look forward to what snacks they were going to have when the 

game is over. What "snacks" will you bring with you to the tournament? How 

about a thank-you card with a picture of the team that you give to all of 

the team members before the awards that lets them focus on why they are 

really there? How about a button or hat that they proudly wear home? At the 

state tournament, each team member gets a medal to wear around his neck. 

How about a smile or a high-five that lets the team know they have done 

THEIR best?



Share your "snack" ideas. We'd like to hear them.



John C. Sammons

Technology Integration Specialist

Greenbrier Intermediate School

1701 River Birch Run North

Chesapeake, VA 23320

(757) 578-7080





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