Joining a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team is a thrilling journey into the world of robotics, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether you’re a budding engineer or simply curious about STEM, becoming part of an FLL team opens doors to exciting opportunities for learning and growth. To know more about FLL, read this first.
Here are six steps to guide you on your path to joining an FLL team:
1- Research and Explore:
Start by researching FLL and its mission. Explore the official FLL website, watch videos of past competitions, and talk to current FLL participants to gain insight into the program’s goals and activities. Understanding what FLL entails will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you or your kids.
The best time to start looking for a team is the summer before the FLL season kicks off. The closer it gets to October/November, the more challenging and stressful it becomes to find a team.
2-Find a Team:
Next, reach out to local schools, community centers, or local robotics clubs in your area to inquire about FLL teams. Many schools and organizations host FLL teams, and some may be open to new members joining. You can also use online platforms or social media to connect with existing teams or individuals interested in forming a team. If you can’t find a team, you can create your own team and invite other like-minded parents and kids to join the team. Coaching a team is not hard, and FLL will provide you with all the guidance and materials needed to help your team achieve the objectives and be ready for the competitions.
3- Attend Information Sessions or Workshops:
Attend information sessions or workshops hosted by FLL teams or organizations in your community. These events provide valuable insights into the FLL program, team dynamics, and the skills required to participate. It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet potential teammates , mentors and other parents. Usually many new parents attend these events. This creates an opportunity to form teams based on proximity, age, availability and other issues many working parents deal with on a daily basis. The ambiance is very positive and collaborative; and organizers are usually accommodating to parents as they try to reconcile their team schedule with their own busy lives.
4- Register for FLL:
Now that you’ve found a team or decided to form one, register for FLL through the official FIRST website. Registration typically opens several months before the start of the FLL season, so be sure to secure your spot early. As part of the registration process, you’ll receive access to the current season’s challenge materials and resources.
5- Get Involved and Prepare:
Then, dive into the world of FLL by actively participating in team meetings, workshops, and training sessions. Familiarize yourself with the FLL challenge theme, rules, and missions. Start brainstorming ideas for your robot design and innovation project. Collaborate with your teammates, share ideas, and work together to develop strategies for success. While only one or two coaching parents are needed, it’s always fun to volunteer to help out with whatever time you can afford.
If you sign up with a team at a community center or a local robotics club, you can find mentors who can assist with coaching tasks and provide guidance to parents and the kids as needed.
6- Compete and Have Fun:
Finally, you get to the most fun part. As the FLL season progresses, attend regional qualifiers and tournaments to showcase your team’s skills and achievements. Embrace the spirit of friendly competition. Celebrate your accomplishments and cheer on fellow teams.
Remember that FLL is not just about winning—it’s about learning, growing, and having fun along the way. It’s the most fun part of the season, as kids will experience the excitement of the competition and the healthy dose of pressure they will encounter during the competition. Therefore, It’s very important to remember that positivity is one of the cornerstones of FLL. Kids will have fun regardless of the tournament outcome.
Conclusion:
By following these six steps, you can embark on an exciting FLL journey filled with discovery, teamwork, and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned STEM enthusiast or new to the world of robotics, joining an FLL team is an adventure waiting to be explored. So, gather your LEGO bricks and unleash your creativity. Be ready to make lasting memories as part of the FLL community.
