Once I had an interesting conversation with another coach. He asked me a question: What have you learned from the children today? Seems like a simple question, right? Unfortunately, I couldn’t find an answer to it. So, I replied that I just didn’t know.
The reflection came quickly. I started to devote a lot of time to how the child develops in all areas. I also started keeping a diary of a child (that’s what I called it). After each training I wrote down one thing that I learned today from and about children. Thanks to the notes, I can briefly state that children are the best teachers for any coach! Surely you are wondering why? So, I will answer below!
Lesson No. 1: Curiosity in children is the first step of creative thinking and learning!
Most children are happy to come to football sessions. Children’s natural curiosity is not limited to what will happen during training. The child derives natural joy and satisfies his curiosity about how to outplay the opponent, how to dribble past him, and if he fails, what to do differently next time. We, the coaches, should create such conditions and environment for children that develop the child’s curiosity and not minimize it.
Lesson No. 2: Creativity – an opportunity for development and risk-taking.
Every child is creative in their own way. That’s why it’s so important to let him play with the ball and get the most out of it. In this way, we give a signal for children to take risks and see what is possible to achieve. Believe me, they will positively surprise you. Another important element will be learning from their own mistakes and learning to make better decisions.
Lesson No. 3: Observe instead of talking! Talking is boring!
The more you talk, the faster children get bored, don’t want to listen and understand very little. A good old proverb says, “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I’ll remember, let me do it and I’ll learn.” Therefore, observing children while playing will be the best source of knowledge you are looking for (if you know what you are looking for, of course)!
Lesson 4: Teach only what children are able to learn at the present moment!
Most coaches teach what they think is best for children. They do not take into account whether children are ready to accept this knowledge. It is worth remembering that if Johnny is not ready, it means that it will be difficult for him to learn it. It is also worth asking yourself at this point: How do children learn to read? Do they read the entire page or book at once? Or do they start by learning the alphabet?
Lesson 5: Focusing on your child’s weaknesses is a waste of time!
Most coaches focus on what is weak and bad, not on what is good. If you focus on what is good, it will be even better or even outstanding in the future. Use individual tasks tailored to the child’s abilities and strengths during training and matches. Perhaps if you are an outstanding dribbler, you have a chance to play football at a good level?
Lesson No. 6: The key that unlocks a child’s potential lies in his person and personal development, not in the little footballer and football development.
A child is a small footballer only a few hours a week. He spends all the rest of his time with his family, at school or friends, doing something else. It is worth asking yourself how much I know about the child as a person? This is where the potential is hidden that we, the coaches, want to bring out.
In other words, knowing how the child learns – we will be more effective in our teaching.
To sum up, children are, have been and will be the best teachers for me. Thanks to them, I am not only better but more effective in what I do. I believe that the ability to understand children and how they learn should be the main lesson in the notebook of every adult working with children.
