Kids Need... to Learn How To Be On A Team
by Sensei Matt Dorsey of Martial Arts America
Teams are part of life, from childhood to adulthood. Sports teams, group projects for school, and work teams are some examples. Learning how to navigate the social and emotional aspects of being on a team is a crucial skill for a child to learn.
One of the main lessons from being on a team, no matter what role your child plays, is taking responsibility. A team leader has to accept their position as the person who guides, encourages, and directs the team to the desired outcome. The team members also have responsibility - to do what they've agreed to do and work with the other team members to make it happen. Another lesson from being on a team is learning to be selfless. That means putting the goals of the team above your own needs. This takes sacrifice and discipline because it's difficult, especially for a young child, to not focus on themselves.
A parent can help a child understand these characteristics by talking to their child about the team experiences the child is having. Ask questions like "Are you holding up your end of this team project?" and "What can you do that will help the team achieve its goal?" and "How can you help a teammate?" to get your child thinking about their role as teammate. Parents can also use their own life experiences of being on a team and tell their child some of the challenges they themselves are having. Discussions like this can give a child understanding and insight into team culture and its nuances.
Martial arts classes are a unique activity for a child because it is a group activity with individual accomplishment. Karate students are not judged by their team effort; rather, they are judged by their own performance. But a sensei will often talk about their dojo (karate school) as a family or a team and remind students that it is their responsibility to help put away training gear after class or assist a new student who's just starting to learn a skill. By emphasizing that all students are part of the "dojo team," senseis nurture a sense of camaraderie, mutual respect and cooperation. This is a positive team experience.
Helping a child navigate the challenges of being on team will give them skills and understanding for more enjoyable and productive team experience now and as they grow up.
Sensei Matt Dorsey is the owner and head instructor of Martial Arts America.
He’s been training in martial arts for over 45 years and holds a 9th degree black belt in Isshin ryu karate, as well as a 2nd degree black belt in Iaido (Samurai sword) and a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He also has experience in jujitsu, kali, tai chi and other martial arts.
His passion for teaching children and adults led him to open his first dojo in 1980 and he’s been a professional martial arts teacher (including teaching our publisher, Debra Ross!) ever since.
This article is part of a series. Follow the links to read Sensei Matt's articles on goals and focus.
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