Jr. FLL Coaching Basics
t's FUN and Not Rocket Science... yet. :-)
Coaching a Jr.FLL team can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Like any great reward, coaching involves a commitment of time and energy. But remember, the kids on your team really need you to give them guidance and provide structure, encouragement, and most of all, a fun experience. To succeed, the coach, team members, mentors, and parents must commit to the entire Challenge: researching, modeling, creating the Show Me! poster, and working together as a team for the entire 6- to 8-week season.
The Jr.FLL program differs from other FIRST programs; it is not a competition. The program focuses on allowing children to learn, collaborate, and have fun. Each team requires at least one adult coach. (18 years or older.) Good coaches come from many walks of life and have included teachers, parents, engineers, scientists, college students, and scout leaders. Coaching requires no special skill—just patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn alongside the team. As a coach, you will direct the learning process, allowing the children to solve the Challenge without providing the solution yourself. Coaches’ Resources can help rookie and veteran coaches alike get their teams started. Additionally, the Jr.FLL forum provides opportunities for veteran coaches to share tips and tricks.
As a coach, you also are responsible for honoring and communicating Jr.FLL core values to team members, team volunteers, and others affiliated with your team. All Jr.FLL teams are expected to abide by Jr.FLL rules and guidelines, as they exist now and as they may be set forth during the season. Any updates will be communicated to Jr.FLL coaches by email. Be sure to read the "Coach’s Promise" and the core value information that follows so that you fully understand Jr.FLL and these responsibilities.
The Coach
As coach, you are responsible for mentoring your team through the season’s Jr.FLL Challenge, as well as for planning and scheduling meetings, visits, and trips. You are the liaison between team members, mentors, parents, and volunteers. It is important that you inform kids and parents about what is expected of them in terms of their commitment to the team. 2 coaches are needed for each team!
There are as many ways to coach a Jr.FLL team as there are teams. Jr.FLL encourages fresh thinking. Let your team celebrate its own style. Do what makes sense for you and the young people you are working with. With that said, here are some guidelines to consider.
In Jr.FLL, kids make all critical decisions in the building and project development processes. If you find yourself pushing a solution, you are doing your team a disservice. Remember, you want your team to think for themselves—and you don’t want to suppress any revolutionary ideas.
A mutual foundation of trust and respect is critical for a supportive learning environment. Everyone’s voice must be heard, and all ideas should be listened to with a patient and open mind. Encourage your team to experiment; allow them to explore options. As much as you might enjoy building, remember that the kids on the team must design and build the model—not you or any other adult.
In the engineering world, simple solutions are much more desirable than complex ones. Ask questions that help your team to distill their ideas and make their solution as simple as possible.
When a coach or mentor does the work, it sends the kids a strong message," you are not capable". Does this mean you should stand idly by while your team struggles with the challenge? Absolutely not! You must be involved, but your role is to mentor and encourage the young ones to do the thinking. Instead of directing your team to "add a pulley here using rubber bands and a wheel," ask questions. Present options (ranging from practical to the wildly absurd) to start the brainstorming process—allow your team to find the solution. One useful method is to reply to a question with another carefully considered question that encourages team members to use their knowledge of science and hypothesize logical outcomes:
• What would happen if . . .
• And then . . .
• How will that work?
Coaches differ in the amount of instruction they give their teams. Some give very little; others give much more. A successful Jr.FLL coach controls the process, not the content. Coaches facilitate, help the team complete its work, and improve the way it works together. Kids become problem solvers by solving problems themselves! We understand that adults can be just as passionate about Jr.FLL as kids, but adults must always remember: THE KIDS COME FIRST!
At the end of the Jr. FLL season, your team should be proud of its accomplishments. Your team members explored a subject through building and research, designed and built a model, and learned how to work together successfully. It’s important to celebrate what you’ve done together. Many teams celebrate at Jr. FLL events; others celebrate in their own way. Do what works best for your team, but be sure to include a plan for celebration in your schedule. Your celebration can be something as simple as an ice cream party or a trip to the park as a team.
Coach / Team Resource Page For info to start a Jr.FLL team, click here For info to start a Sr.FLL team, click here
Cowboys Herding Cats Commercial I just HAD to include this
Both Jr.FLL and Sr.FLL Teams require two coaches. All coaches must register themselves through Jr.FLL for background checks (free – takes a day or two) then register their team and order kits. Team name and kids details may be added/changed later. Then you are basically done with the official FLL. Your first team meeting should include ice-breaker games and name-games (don't forget simple prizes). Once your kits are in hand, get building!
Click on ‘Start a Jr.FLL Team’ this will take you to the official Jr.FLL website where you register yourself for background check (free).
Decide if your spouse will serve as your co-coach (need not attend meetings – rules require each team have to have two registered coaches). A parent may be invited to serve and register.
Decide what day you plan to have meetings and invite your child’s friends, etc. to participate before opening your team to others.
Send an email to the waiting list to see with whom that day fits. (Some can meet only on weekends, others in sports only evenings after school so set the meeting day first.)
Once your background check is complete (1-2 days) you may register your team and order materials (wait until you have your team in place and have their dues in hand. There are no refunds from FLL so if someone wants to back out it should be THEIR money lost and not yours.
Don't wait for the kits to start team meetings, take lots of pictures and HAVE FUN!
FRC Bohemian Rhapsody Hitler's FRC Team Stinks
Coaching a Jr.FLL team can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Like any great reward, coaching involves a commitment of time and energy. But remember, the kids on your team really need you to give them guidance and provide structure, encouragement, and most of all, a fun experience. To succeed, the coach, team members, mentors, and parents must commit to the entire Challenge: researching, modeling, creating the Show Me! poster, and working together as a team for the entire 6- to 8-week season.
The Jr.FLL program differs from other FIRST programs; it is not a competition. The program focuses on allowing children to learn, collaborate, and have fun. Each team requires at least one adult coach. (18 years or older.) Good coaches come from many walks of life and have included teachers, parents, engineers, scientists, college students, and scout leaders. Coaching requires no special skill—just patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn alongside the team. As a coach, you will direct the learning process, allowing the children to solve the Challenge without providing the solution yourself. Coaches’ Resources can help rookie and veteran coaches alike get their teams started. Additionally, the Jr.FLL forum provides opportunities for veteran coaches to share tips and tricks.
As a coach, you also are responsible for honoring and communicating Jr.FLL core values to team members, team volunteers, and others affiliated with your team. All Jr.FLL teams are expected to abide by Jr.FLL rules and guidelines, as they exist now and as they may be set forth during the season. Any updates will be communicated to Jr.FLL coaches by email. Be sure to read the "Coach’s Promise" and the core value information that follows so that you fully understand Jr.FLL and these responsibilities.
The Coach
As coach, you are responsible for mentoring your team through the season’s Jr.FLL Challenge, as well as for planning and scheduling meetings, visits, and trips. You are the liaison between team members, mentors, parents, and volunteers. It is important that you inform kids and parents about what is expected of them in terms of their commitment to the team. 2 coaches are needed for each team!
There are as many ways to coach a Jr.FLL team as there are teams. Jr.FLL encourages fresh thinking. Let your team celebrate its own style. Do what makes sense for you and the young people you are working with. With that said, here are some guidelines to consider.
In Jr.FLL, kids make all critical decisions in the building and project development processes. If you find yourself pushing a solution, you are doing your team a disservice. Remember, you want your team to think for themselves—and you don’t want to suppress any revolutionary ideas.
A mutual foundation of trust and respect is critical for a supportive learning environment. Everyone’s voice must be heard, and all ideas should be listened to with a patient and open mind. Encourage your team to experiment; allow them to explore options. As much as you might enjoy building, remember that the kids on the team must design and build the model—not you or any other adult.
In the engineering world, simple solutions are much more desirable than complex ones. Ask questions that help your team to distill their ideas and make their solution as simple as possible.
When a coach or mentor does the work, it sends the kids a strong message," you are not capable". Does this mean you should stand idly by while your team struggles with the challenge? Absolutely not! You must be involved, but your role is to mentor and encourage the young ones to do the thinking. Instead of directing your team to "add a pulley here using rubber bands and a wheel," ask questions. Present options (ranging from practical to the wildly absurd) to start the brainstorming process—allow your team to find the solution. One useful method is to reply to a question with another carefully considered question that encourages team members to use their knowledge of science and hypothesize logical outcomes:
• What would happen if . . .
• And then . . .
• How will that work?
Coaches differ in the amount of instruction they give their teams. Some give very little; others give much more. A successful Jr.FLL coach controls the process, not the content. Coaches facilitate, help the team complete its work, and improve the way it works together. Kids become problem solvers by solving problems themselves! We understand that adults can be just as passionate about Jr.FLL as kids, but adults must always remember: THE KIDS COME FIRST!
At the end of the Jr. FLL season, your team should be proud of its accomplishments. Your team members explored a subject through building and research, designed and built a model, and learned how to work together successfully. It’s important to celebrate what you’ve done together. Many teams celebrate at Jr. FLL events; others celebrate in their own way. Do what works best for your team, but be sure to include a plan for celebration in your schedule. Your celebration can be something as simple as an ice cream party or a trip to the park as a team.
Coach / Team Resource Page For info to start a Jr.FLL team, click here For info to start a Sr.FLL team, click here
Cowboys Herding Cats Commercial I just HAD to include this
Both Jr.FLL and Sr.FLL Teams require two coaches. All coaches must register themselves through Jr.FLL for background checks (free – takes a day or two) then register their team and order kits. Team name and kids details may be added/changed later. Then you are basically done with the official FLL. Your first team meeting should include ice-breaker games and name-games (don't forget simple prizes). Once your kits are in hand, get building!
Click on ‘Start a Jr.FLL Team’ this will take you to the official Jr.FLL website where you register yourself for background check (free).
Decide if your spouse will serve as your co-coach (need not attend meetings – rules require each team have to have two registered coaches). A parent may be invited to serve and register.
Decide what day you plan to have meetings and invite your child’s friends, etc. to participate before opening your team to others.
Send an email to the waiting list to see with whom that day fits. (Some can meet only on weekends, others in sports only evenings after school so set the meeting day first.)
Once your background check is complete (1-2 days) you may register your team and order materials (wait until you have your team in place and have their dues in hand. There are no refunds from FLL so if someone wants to back out it should be THEIR money lost and not yours.
Don't wait for the kits to start team meetings, take lots of pictures and HAVE FUN!
FRC Bohemian Rhapsody Hitler's FRC Team Stinks