6th Visit Kids With Dreams

Thomas Brown
Date: April 30, 2017
Organization: Kids With Dreams
Supervisor: Will Bannick

In my recent visits coaching at Kids With Dreams I've definitely found that I've gotten closer with a lot of the kids. I've had some fun conversations with a few of the older participants (who are more coherent) regarding school, the NBA season and their other activities aside from Kids With Dreams. The participants also seem much more comfortable with each other as everyone now knows each others names and abilities and are willing to work towards everyone having a good experience. There have been a few instances of disagreements between the younger kids, and during these times the other coaches and I have to balance our attention between the large group while also settling arguments. I've come to learn that the kids really thrive when they receive positive reinforcement and attention, so rather than putting someone in a timeout it is important to make sure both kids seem like they have their side heard and to get them back focused on the basketball practicing. Through working with Kids With Dreams I've learned the importance of introducing these kids with special needs to social situations so that they can mature and be able to do things more independently. I've also noticed that I've become more confident working with the kids because I feel they do look up to the coaches and respect what we say. All in all my experience at Kids With Dreams has helped me work on my leadership and ability to resolve conflicts and has helped me realize that for all of these kids, basketball is not the most important thing at Kids With Dreams, rather the friendships and social skills they gain are more important.