Kid Programs Need To Start Well

--So how do we get kids off to a terrific start?

I like to tell my staff that structuring is the key to successful programs. Kids like to know what to expect. We cover our expectations of them as well as what they can expect from us.

As most of you know a big part of communication is non-verbal. Your attitude, enthusiasm and smiles are things that you are in control of and can make a huge difference when meeting and interacting with your students. Try to remember these things when you meet someone for the first time; smile and aim your smile at that person, introduce yourself first and be proud of who you are, what you do and where you work, shake their hand and start a conversation.

Another huge part of starting kids off well is to remember their name. I recall when I attended the Tennis University at Hilton Head Island that Dennis Van DeMeer called all of the attendees by name the very first hour that we were there...over two hundred of us. I constantly remind my new and veteran staff of the impact that had on me.

Using a student's name is one of the highest forms of personalized service. Dale Carnegie says, "The sweetest sound in any language is a person's own name." If you do use nicknames make sure they are positive and the student is comfortable with the name.

It's probably better to be overly respectful especially with adults, give them the opportunity to establish the level of familiarity that makes them comfortable. You must read your students and be prepared to adjust your communication style.

It takes time and a consistent effort to develop the use of names but it's an effort that your students will greatly appreciate. It's one of the first steps in building a rewarding relationship with your student.

To help you remember names here are some suggestions:

Preparation, try to look at the names before the class starts. For example, if you have a group of eight kids in an after school clinic review the names before the class starts.

Repetition, use the names as often as possible. If you are doing a two-ball across as a warm up drill say that person's name as often as possible for example; "Okay Mike show me an early racket preparation on this first ball. Yeah that's good Mike. All right Mike swing a little slower on this second shot. Way to go Mike!"

Association, you can associate a person with another person to help you remember their name. For example, in a class of eight ladies you have a lefty whose name is Mary and you can associate her with Martina (another lefty tennis player) so Mary becomes Mary- Martina.

Look, you can remember a name by their physical attributes. For example, you may have a very tall junior in your class whose name is Tommy. You can remember him by "Tall Tommy".

Ask, if you do forget ask them or another classmate their name.

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