Junior Coach Mabel is a 4th grader at the Boston Teachers Union School in Jamaica Plain. Although Mabel only joined the Junior Coach team in February, she has already made a big impression as a leader in her school.
In the beginning of the school year, Mabel was very shy and didn’t always feel confident standing up for herself. Since becoming a Junior Coach, Mabel has come out of her shell. Mabel now volunteers to take on the toughest recess shifts and has the confidence to open recess all by herself. Mabel has not only been empowered to stand up for self, but for her peers as well.
According to Playworks Coach Dani, “One of our main lessons in Junior Coach training lately has been leadership through kindness. Mabel does an incredible job of this by always going the extra mile to help someone who is hurt, saying ‘good job nice try’, and bringing a smile to everyone’s face.”
We are proud to have Mabel on our Playworks team at the BTU. We know she will continue to make a difference at school every day, demonstrating Playworks’ core values of respect, healthy play, and inclusion.
Q & A with Junior Coach Mabel
Q: How does it feel to be selected as the Junior Coach of the Month?
I feel really proud. It feels really good to be recognized for something I’ve done right.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a Junior Coach?
I like being with the younger kids and playing with them. I’m really having fun with all of them.
Q: What have you learned from Coach Dani at Junior Coach Training?
I’ve learned to always stand up for myself and be a good leader and to do what I know is right.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to other Junior Coaches who want to be successful?
Always do the right thing, never give up, and always have fun!
Q: What is your favorite game to play at recess?
Kickball!
