Preparing to compete
Since I am a newbie here in school, this is my first time to be a coach for students to compete in competitions where all the bright students in different schools here in our city are participating.
I have started from scratch... i don't have any review materials at hand except our text and other references that i have in college. The teacher for which i replaced for only handed me 2 pages questionnaire because she told me that she lost her files. I don't know but i think she just kept it for herself for she was transferred to another school which is another rival school for such contest.
Anyway, we passed the elimination round and way to go for the Division Finals. What i did was to conditioned my contestants to believe themselves that they can do it. and that mathematics is an interesting subject to learn. The textbook is our only reference, along with other books that i have, since i always buy books which i think that could help me to enhance my knowledge. And also with the help of internet.
I always told them to "READ A LOT" and understand the principles involve and practice solving the exercises at the end of the topic. We discussed and review lessons, and explain as well the lessons which is not discussed yet in our classroom. I also taught them how to do mental calculations and techniques on how to solve problems faster. For days we are doing that. Then just this morning, i had a drill with them... and i am happy that they have improved a lot. they can solve the problem quicker than before.
Hopefully, they will not be too nervous and went blank on the competition this coming Friday.
God willing we could make it to the regional.
What could you advice me to do in situations like these. Your suggestions could really be of great help for a newbie like me. thanks.
More practice it is and more rest too especially when the competition is days away.
How many hours of practice do you spend with your team?
The key is practice but also explain to the students that they will be nervous and that it is normal to feel this way. Explain to them if they feel nervous they can take deep breaths and so on. Teach them a few relaxation techniques. If you wold like I can get a few together for you. Though this seems like a small thing it can be huge if the students get nervous and freeze up causing major disappontment and stress in the end.
Thanks, Debby
Deep breaths and mind focus are really important factors. We don't want those tummy butterflies to mess up with the kids' concentration on the event, don't we?.
Deep breaths and mind focus are really important factors. We don't want those tummy butterflies to mess up with the kids' concentration on the event, don't we?.
thanks for all your advices guys, i will certainly do all that specially the deep breaths... i think i also need that.
So far my contestants were doing great. they have already read a lot of references and solve varied problems within the time limit. Good thing that these students of mine really love to read.Thus, it's easier for me to explain to them and we can focus more on their areas of difficulties.
yes i will surely update you with the results tomorrow.
We are prepared for the competition as well as for the outcome. Whatever happened, we will be grateful for just being on the contest.
Hey guys, guess what?! Hmmm, we just won the first and second place!
I am so proud with my team. thanks for giving me all those precious advices.
WOOOHOOOO!!!!!! Congrats and give the the kids a huge hug from me!!!!!!
You all must be so proud! There is no better feeling then watching the kids achieve something they have worked so hard at. And you too Zemlene not only are you an excellent teacher and coach you have done so much to help them. Now, you cannot say you are a "newbie" anymore! :)
(Sorry about the caps up there but this is so awesome! I will not yell on the message board again...I don't want to be in trouble..I'd hate to be escorted to the principles office.) :)
I knew it, I knew that you will do your best Zem! you are a great teacher I which every teacher learn something from what are you trying to do with those kids.
Congratulations Zemlene! That really is an achievement. Your eforts are not put in vain. Great job! Keep it up!
~~~a stone is not carved by force but by constant friction~~~
Thank you for all your greetings! I still have to prove my worth. Besides, I am not the one who made them win! it's more their effort than mine.
Anyway, I learned a lot from all of you. And still open to more knowledge and new things to share.
#1
Practice, prepare more and pray ...That's it! I know they can do it, you will be a great help for them.