Page 6 of Teaching the Kot'oll Coach

A few are already eyeing the two baskets that are set up at the two ends of the sports ground. I like it when they can’t wait to get started.

I say, “Now, we’ll form groups of two. Each group will get a ball from the rack. Come back after you’ve done that.”

The kids are busy looking for their next best friend. Nothing gets beings talking to each other than playing sports together.

After they divide into groups, I get them to pass the ball to each other and get warmed up for the ball game we’ll be playing. There are a pretty equal number of boys and girls in this class, so it is going to make it fair to let them compete in teams.

I demonstrate throwing a ball for them, then get them to do it on their own.

Even though I should focus on the students, part of my mind is still with Winnie. What’s she doing now?

Maybe after I left, she went back to her seat. Or maybe she is in the library by now.

I blow the whistle, so I get the attention of the students and myself. “Okay, now, we are going to return the balls and... It’s time for a match!”

I get the kids into teams and have them compete to get the balls into the basket at the opposite sides of the field. The baskets are set on the floor, so no one will have a problem getting the ball in. “Remember, stay safe and have fun. No kicking the ball and the right to the carry is gone when you get tapped on the shoulder by the other team. Are we all clear?”

They nod and get into position. One from each team goes to the center of the field and I toss the ball into the air to start the game.

I take a step back as they fight for the ball. It’s not that bad to be the coach when I can sit back and watch them. I just have to make sure everyone stays safe, and no rules are broken.

Maybe I’d spot some with good potential to join the floatball team. This simple ball game is quite different, but sports are sports and reaction time goes the same way.

Floatball is my favorite sport. There are goal frames in mid-air. Team members will hit the float ball with a bat as they ride small flying ships through the field, trying to score points. It’s fun when the flying ships can crash into each other and are designed to be bumping around.

Kot’olls could have even more advantages if we were allowed more than one bat, but sadly, not really.

I blow the whistle when two kids are getting onto the floor to fight for the ball. I pick them up on the shoulders, splitting them up, and lift the ball into the air so no one can fight for it. “Time to split up and restart.”

One kid sneers at the other. “Come on, that’s cheating.”

The other laughs. “What? Tossing the ball past you between the legs?”

I watched their moves, so it is clear. “It’s not cheating as long as no rules are broken. Time for more strategies.”

Soon, the game starts again. It looks like everyone’s having fun. Kids are running around, chasing the ball, throwing them at times.

I shout. “Hey, no horns, be careful of those.”

A kid with horns bows over to pick up a ball from the ground, so... I guess the horns are handy to make sure he has enough room to pick the ball up with no one wanting to come at him from ahead.

Another kid sneaks her tentacle hand from the side and smacks the ball out of the boy’s hand. I resist a chuckle, letting a smile hang around on my face. The kids are so fun to watch. Once they grow older, we will have to split them between males and females for the sports classes. Otherwise... No females will want to get rammed into by beings my size. Or even males from smaller species.

But for now, everyone can play along together.

I watch them as I also plan what to do with them next lesson. But at the same time, I still can’t stop thinking about Winnie. Is she tall enough for the shelves in the library? I know there are step-ups and ladders for beings there, but...

I check my watch. It is almost time for the end of the lesson. Maybe this means I can look for her soon. Very soon.

Chapter 5

Winnie

Finally, I’m in the library! My eyes light up at the shelves and the display cases of artifacts. There are pieces on the walls from the past. I don’t know a lot about this city’s past, but these are so interesting. I’ll have to spare time to read all the descriptions on the display board.

Everything is new to me, and I enjoy it a ton. I’m alone for now, when kids are in the classroom or respective activity spaces, so it makes for a good time walking down the shelves.

There are rows and rows of shelves where I can easily spend the whole day here, even though most books are catered to young kids.

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