A Strategic Approach
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Our approach is based on an appreciation of the values and life-skills learned through sport. SFL uses a ‘PBIS Framework’ in its approach to coaching students. PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is an effective disciplinary framework that uses positive reinforcement to support students socially, emotionally, and academically. Through our implementation of this framework, our coaches have been able to decrease disciplinary referrals, in some districts, by up to 79%
Sports For Learning’s uses the acronym STAR (Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Attitude,Respect) in order to promote positive behavior.
Encouraging STAR Behavior
Your coach reminds students about STAR behavior at the start of each session. Any behavioral issues that come up are dealt with by referring back to STAR.
Collecting and Assessing Data
Sports For Learning works with schools to record data e.g. disciplinary referrals and attendance rates to document the impact of the Sports For Learning program.
Creating Acknowledgement System:
Students and the teams are rewarded with SFL stickers for exhibiting good behavior.
Providing feedback
The students receive immediate, corrective feedback on the field using PBIS methodologies. When necessary, this is shared with teachers or the principal for additional reinforcement.“We have had really poor attendance at our school. With Sports for Learning, students are now coming to school and are excited.”
“Since introducing the lunchtime program, disciplinary referrals decreased by 79 percent. Frank West Elementary has logged just three referrals this year…nobody has been suspended.”
“The program was absolutely amazing! The coaches were so easy to work with, very approachable and the kids loved working with them. The coaches made sports easy to understand and encouraged the kids to become active outdoors.”
For the school site, it was a huge benefit to our behavior management (PBIS) in that it provided structured and supervised activities for our at-risk students.”
“Our students enjoy the coaching they receive during their rotations. SFL allows us to provide released time to our teachers for collaboration, and as a result, our student’s academic skills are improving as well as their grades”
“We have seen a huge increase in not only our attendance rate, but also in our academics. The programs provides behaviorincentives. Our students are learning STEM activities as well as doing soccer!”
Our programs encourage learning through collaboration, innovation and skill. Our coaches undergo intensive training and provide structure, leadership and effective instruction using creative teaching methodologies and strategies.
Storyline
Each game will have an exciting theme that will ignite a student’s imagination in order to enhance their learning, e.g. “Virtual Wonderland.”
Curiosity Question:
Your coach begins each lesson with the curiosity question of the day. This sparks a student’s creativity, as they provide answers in return for points, e.g. “Where do you see angles on the soccer field?”
Phrase that Pays:
Your coach will introduce a call & response “Phrase that Pays” at the start of each game. Example: “Divide distance by time and you’ll succeed, that’s the way to find your SPEED.” This Phrase will prompt students to shout out the STEM word of the day (SPEED). Your coach will repeat this multiple times each game.At most of the schools where Sports For Learning operates, soccer and basketball are the most popular sports. Students will:
