Hello Jr.FLL Friends, Yesterday alone there were 5 notices on the listserve from people looking for a Jr.FLL team for their child to join. I want to jump in and share some important information. Although it is possible to find an existing team that has an opening for your child, it is highly unlikely. Not to worry, however, your child can still be on a Jr.FLL team and it isn't difficult to make happen. Jr.FLL is an incredible program that really does inspire young children in science and technology and begins to teach them life skills such as team work, time management and giving presentations. Jr.FLL is a for children ages 6-9 (K-3rd grade) and one that isn't difficult to coach. I would encourage all of you to consider coaching a team, it is a fun and rewarding experience, not only for the students but for the coaches as well. Coaches receive a coaches guide and other resource materials such as a sample schedule and activities so you will have guidance along the way. We hope to also offer some coaches workshops around the state for Jr.FLL. Jr.FLL registration opens on August 1st and remains open until sometime in April 2013. What that means is that Jr.FLL is very flexible and teams can choose the season that they would like to participate. Teams generally meet for about 6-8 weeks. Teams are composed of 2-6 students and can be formed through schools, neighborhoods, community groups, scouts, church, friends, etc. There is a different real world theme each year and the theme for the upcoming season is Super Seniors. Teams will be studying ways to improve the quality of life for seniors. In addition to building with LEGOS, teams will be learning about the challenges facing seniors today and ways to improve their quality of life. Field trips to senior centers and facilities, visits with grandparents etc. will be great ways for teams to see first hand what life is like for seniors. As a Jr.FLL team, students will be building a LEGO model with moving parts. They will also make a Show-Me Poster to document their journey. The model and Show-Me Poster can be shared with other teams at Jr.FLL Expos - fun events where teams come together to celebrate and share what they have learned. There are not tournaments in Jr.FLL and everyone is a winner at an Expo. Registration is done on-line and costs $25.00. Once your team is registered you will have access to the coaches guide, the challenge and other resource materials. Teams can either order a LEGO kit or even use their own LEGOS and maybe order a few additional parts. For more information on Jr.FLL, please go to www.usfirst.org and click on Jr.FLL. I hope to see many of you at Jr.FLL Expos this Super Senior season. I guarantee, if you decide to coach a team you will be glad you did!! No technical skills needed, just the desire to have fun with a group of young students and to provide an incredible opportunity they won't forget!! Sally Sylvester Senior Mentor Virginia ______________________________________________________________ To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, follow the instructions at: https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcjrfll-l.html