Athletic Coaches and Reading Teachers :They Have Much in Common

     The ultimate goal of middle grades reading teachers is to ensure that each young adolescent fulfills his or her potential as a reader.  In order to achieve this goal, students need to learn fundamental skills and then practice those skills.

      Athletic coaches also have similar goals.  They have an understanding of the sport they coach from fundamental skills to advanced techniques.  They guide, inspire, and empower athletes to realize and develop their potential.  Athletic coaches plan for the season, provide training and practice, and help their athletes become successful.

      Middle grades reading teachers are like athletic coaches.  They plan for the school year, provide appropriate comprehension, vocabulary, fluency activities, and provide practice opportunities both in and out of school.  Teachers and coaches both want students to be successful.  The qualities for successful coaching include the following.  

=  Know their areas:  Coaches know their        areas from fundamental skills to advanced techniques.  They provide a structured environment for players to succeed.

=  Lead by example:  Coaches have a positive attitude and show respect for players.

=  Motivate:  Successful coaches are motivators with a positive attitude and enthusiasm for their areas and the players.  They encourage players to believe in themselves and to excel in their work.  They keep practice fun, fresh, and challenging.

=  Focus:  Coaches need to help players focus on their goals and weed out distractions.

=  Know students:  Paying attention to the players’ emotions, strengths, and weaknesses is the responsibility of good coaches.

=  Communicate:  Coaches explain ideas clearly, set defined goals, give direct feedback, and acknowledge success for players.  They communicate with parents, administrators, and the community.

=  Listen:  Coaches are good listeners who welcome players’ comments, questions, and input.  Good coaches are flexible and use player feedback to modify the training plan.

 =  Display commitment:   Coaches love their work.  They are committed to their areas and look out for the best interests of the individual players.

=  Patient:  Coaches know that they cannot expect everyone to latch onto the skill being taught at the same time.

=  Involve all players:  Whether it’s a practice or a game, coaches don’t have anyone sitting on the sidelines for an extended period of time.

 =  Celebrate:  Coaches help their students celebrate any successes they have. 

      When adults are asked about the teachers whom they remember, those who played on teams with athletic coaches will inevitably identify them among those who had a significant impact on their lives.  Middle grades reading teachers do not have bands, stadiums, uniforms, and other incentives for developing competent readers, but by displaying the same qualities as athletic coaches they ca