2nd Grade

Practice #3

Parent Coaches,

Breaking Into Groups

We will be breaking into groups tomorrow.  See the attached excel spreadsheet for our current thinking on the groups and group names.  We are using a country theme this year to generate some team bonding.  We will likely make a couple of changes to the group breakdown this evening and we will bring a hardcopy of the groups to practice tomorrow.

Check-in & Checkout Procedure

Starting tomorrow Check-in & Checkout of the kids will be performed by you and will take place at the group/country level.  We will provide a hard copy of the group breakdown to each of you to simplify the check-in & checkout process.

Tomorrow’s Practice Outline (December 14, 2010)

1.  Kids Arrive (3:20pm-3:40pm)

Check-in will not occur until after we break into groups so as kids arrive get them out to play tag.  It is going to be brisk tomorrow so we really want to make sure we get kids moving at the beginning of practice so that they warm up.  If you see a child arrive without appropriate clothing (no hat, mittens/gloves and a wind/rain jacket, etc) remind them and their parents that having the right clothing can be critical to a successful experience for the children.  Better too hot than too cold.

2.  Country Groupings (3:40-3:45pm)

We will announce “Tips to Me.”  As kids come to us you should get several yards behind the kids into your distinct parent coach groupings.  We will then announce the country groupings and have kids go to their respective parent coaches.  We have stickers of each country flag which we will give you at the beginning of practice.

3.  Group Adventure Run & Bonding Games (3:45-4:15pm)

You will want to get the kids warmed up again so we will send groups out clockwise and counter clockwise on “War Zone”  which is a short loop off the stadium area.  Play some of the games and use some of the exercises that we have used in the last two practices:

Duck Walk, Gorilla Walk, Tuck (elbows to knees walking downhill), sidestep, tree push, human bridge, hop on or balance on one foot, Red Light Green Light.

When you rest to bring the group together talk about your country and play some names games so the group gets to know your name and each others’ names! It will be a balance keeping them warm, together and enthusiastic without being out of control!

4.  Tug of War by Country (4:15-4:30pm)

As you return to the stadium area we will likely set up some Tug-of-War games by Country/Group.  Then we will finish off with more tag if there is time.

 Remember your enthusiasm is contagious!!!

See you tomorrow,