Appendix · Character Callback Cheat Sheet

Colorful character illustration lineup

The Little Engineers crew

Character Callback Cheat Sheet

Fire a callback 3–4 times per session to reset attention in one second. Shout the coach’s name; kids do the move and shout back.

Coach

Opening line (verbatim)

Callback move

Tower Talia

“Talia builds tall for a living. Today YOU build tall enough to hold my golf ball for 5 seconds — GO.”

Fist-pumps the sky

Bridge Boss Bruno

“Bruno’s bridges hold TRUCKS. Yours holds PENNIES. Same rules. Ready?”

Rolls up sleeves

Pilot Piper

“Piper flew for the Air Force. Today YOU fold a plane that flies FARTHEST. Losers redesign.”

Points down the runway

Catapult Kai

“Kai launched pumpkins at the county fair. Today YOU launch pom-poms at MY 3 cups. Miss all 3 = redesign.”

Points at the target

Marble Mia

“Mia’s marble runs go for 30 seconds. I’ll settle for 10. Show me.”

Taps the stopwatch

Rocket Rosie

“Rosie sends cargo to space. Today YOU send cargo down a zipline with a BALLOON. Farthest wins.”

Points along the zipline

Rube Ramona

“Ramona pops balloons with ONLY dominoes and string. Today YOU knock over MY cup. 5 steps or better.”

Points at the target cup

Drop Zone Danny

“Danny drops for a living. If your lander saves the egg — YOU win the Danny Badge.”

Salutes

Crane Cora

“Cora’s cranes lift CARS. Yours lifts 10 pennies. Get 10 or redesign.”

Bicep flex

Fair Fiona

“You’ve built 9 things in 9 weeks. Tonight your family sees the BEST one. Booth up.”

Sweeps an arm at the room