I agree with everyone about the 2 - 3 coach approach - I've always had a
separate one in charge of the research. I've had parents as well as h.s.
kids help me. If the kids were very wild, I'd get more coaching help.

I learned after my first year to have every child and parent sign a
code of conduct. Anyone who repeatedly violated it, was asked to leave.

If you are not lucky enough to have other adult resources, and if your
team is voluntary, I'd consider talking to the parents of the wilder
children and asking them to police their own children. If it is simply
one person inciting the others, I'd consider kicking the main
perpetrator out. I had to do that twice, in about 10 years coaching
teams. The parents apparently thought FLL was a daycare situation, the
children clearly not wanting to be there. Once they were gone, dynamics
changed.

Best wishes to you in your inaugural year. Please don't throw in the
towel!
Kathy



Kathy Molina
Science 6
HB Woodlawn
703-228-6363


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>>> Phil Smith III <[log in to unmask]> 10/23/2009 12:14 AM >>>
Depends on the number of kids to some extent, but I*d echo the need
to have at least one to focus on robot and one to focus on research.
Getting a parent or two to help, even if (s)he is only there to help the
kids focus, is also a good strategy.

 

The Capital Girls had at least two coaches each year. The first year I
co-coached with a semi-experienced coach and another newbie; in
subsequent years, I had Martha Cosgrove as my co-coach. Besides being an
excellent coach, she*s also an elementary teacher, and so was used to
herding cats.

 

Surely at least ONE of the other parents has some technical expertise?
I*d recommend reaching out to the parents and asking for help, as
others have suggested.

-- 

Phil Smith III

Virginia State Judge Advisor, 2007, 2008, 2009

Judge Advisor, Northern Virginia Regional tournaments, 2007, 2008,
2009

Division 1 Judge Advisor, Virginia State tournament, 2006

 

Coach, The Capital Girls, Oak Hill (retired)

Team 1900 (2002)

Team 2497 (2003)

Team 2355 (2004)

Team 1945 (2005)

From: First Lego League in Virginia and DC
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tom Chiffrilller
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 10:02 PM
To: [log in to unmask] 
Subject: [VADCFLL-L] number of coaches for your team

 

Hi everyone, just wondering how many adults and or mentors your team
has.  I am coaching solo and feel overwhelmed at managing all the kids. 
Any ideas?  As soon as I start helping a few on a task the others start
running around.   I don't want to be a policeman all the time but am
wondering how to keep the others busy.  thanks.  The kids range from 10
to 13 years old. 


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