Everything I Need To Know I Learned From Rugby

Now that's a pretty bold statement, but I find it rings true! Rugby could be a very valuable tool in the classroom (as could many sports, I'm sure).While playing rugby with my kids this week, I realized how many lessons I've learned- not only from great coaches, but great team mates as well.

Rugby has made me....
1.  happier
2. more patient
3. value team work
4. value each member of the team (whether it be on the field or at work)
5. much more selfless
6. work towards a unified goal
7. confident
8. a better listener (although I'm certain some of my team mates now and in the past would  say that I'm a bit deaf out on the pitch, particularly when I hear the word "pass." :) Haha
9. expect and demand much more of myself
10. proud

Somewhere in there, I am certain there is a lesson every middle school kid could learn. I am really looking forward to using rugby in the classroom more, and even starting up our little intramural teams.  My favorite coach, Marius, was really excellent at helping players highlight their strengths instead of focusing on their weaknesses. He may not know it, but he is a huge part of the person I am today. I am more confident, I care more and I love rugby and my team mates. He helped to shape my character into a person that I am proud of and for that I am very grateful. Now, unlike Marius, I am not a miracle worker but it would be nice to have an opportunity to help my students do the same.