COACH Model

The COACH Model

CONNECT

  1. Meet your student’s basic needs (Maslows). Assess gear, hunger, bathroom needs etc.
  2. Play and move
  3. Create a sense of belonging
  4. Ask questions – “What do your feet look like when you slow down?” or “What do you like to do on the weekends?”
  5. Get on their level, take your goggles off, and use your people skills

OUTCOMES

  1. Make sure the outcome is clearly defined and achievable for all guests
  2. Define an end goal or a pathway to get to the end goal
  3. Take into consideration the guest’s ability, available terrain and the length of the lesson
  4. The more you know your student (and about your student), the better you can tailor that lesson and achieve successful outcomes

AWARENESS

  1. Create activities that are challenging but within the guest’s ability, focus on safety
  2. Ask open ended questions like “what body parts are you moving?” or “what do you feel in your feet and legs”
  3. Focus on sensory feedback using Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (VAK) stimulation. Try exaggerating movements to help them gain a sense of the body.
  4. Allow for self-discovery and provide specific feedback by stating what you see.

CHANGE

  1. Know when to change things up to keep your guests engaged.
  2. Pay attention to facial expressions, body movements and behaviors. If a child is bored or under challenged, are they acting out? Are they over challenged and trying to hide it?
  3. Think about what and how you can change things up. Do you need to add a fun game? Go back to an easier lift? Do you need to change your expectations?

HIGH FIVES

  1. Notice and praise successes – no matter the size.
  2. Point out specific things that the students are doing well – notice them often
  3. Focus feedback on body parts, movements, tool performance, sensations etc.
  4. Be quick to look for the good in everyone!