These articles were written as part of my marketing
effort for
Luca.
You may find them useful, especially if you have a
child who is nervous about learning to swim. The
information contained in these articles stems from
my 16 years of experience and expertise as a swim
instructor specializing in working with anxious
students.
________________________________________________
SWIM LESSONS FOR A RELUCTANT SWIMMER
(From Landlubber to Frisky Fish)
By: Barry Shrewsbury
Parents recognize the importance and value of learning to swim, so each year millions of children, ages 3 - 6, step into a pool for their first swim lesson. For some, the transition from non-swimmer to swimmer is smooth. These children enjoy being in water, are comfortable in most educational settings and readily follow directions from non-parent authority figures. If this describes your child, their swim lesson progress will probably be relatively smooth and resistance free. However, if your child is uneasy around water -even in the bathtub- the process can be daunting.
A child who dislikes getting water on their face, let alone putting their face in the water (required for learning to swim), will likely have resistance to swim instruction. This resistance can be compounded if your child is not particularly adventurous and/or is uncomfortable around new people. Fear not! You are not alone. Many of the children I have taught started with these issues and ultimately became confident, enthusiastic and pool-safe swimmers. When choosing a lesson program for this type of child, it is important to take a proactive approach with a long-term view towards your goal.
To increase the likelihood of your child's success, please consider the following factors. Most importantly, choose the best possible swim program and instructor. The optimal choice is for private lessons or the smallest class size available. With one-on-one lessons your child will have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with the instructor who will have the time and attention to focus on their unique personality and needs. In general, private (or semi-private) lessons, which most swim schools offer, cost more. However, in terms of overall cost effectiveness, they can save time and money, as your child may progress more rapidly with individualized instruction. If you have your own pool (with a heating system), it may be possible to find a warm and experienced instructor to come to your house. It can be easier on your child, and convenient for you, if the lessons are in a familiar environment. I recommend waiting until reluctant swimmers are at least 4 years old to begin formal lessons. In the mean time, you might consider a “Mommy and Me” class.
When choosing a program, be thorough, check references, ask about pool temperature (85 degrees or warmer is best), and inquire about the program's philosophy on working with tentative children. I use a style which is light-hearted and compassionate, yet firm. I've had tremendous results moving a child through fear with this approach. Once children comfortably open their eyes underwater, swimming can begin and you will witness their confidence and joy growing on a lesson by lesson basis.
If your child is struggling with having water on her face, make water time at home playful. Don't give up! The more comfortable a child becomes in water, the quicker the transition into lessons. If you know the instructors' name, use it liberally as you approach your scheduled lessons, and talk up the joys of swimming. Arrive early and make sure your child uses the bathroom beforehand. Plan on being out of site during the lesson (watching from a vantage point where your child can't see you). This will allow your child to work through their anxiety and strengthen their relationship with the instructor. Immediately afterwards, and in the days following, praise them for any success. Find a swim lesson storybook which visually introduces your child to swimming and read it together frequently. Invite your child to talk about their feelings. Knowing what a child is thinking and feeling can be a great advantage for parent and instructor in working through a child's nervousness before and throughout the learning process.
For many children (and for all involved), the process of learning to swim can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, if you take a proactive approach and remember that swimming is a life-enhancing (and saving) skill, your child's, and therefore everyone's, experience can be that much more enjoyable and successful.
Barry Shrewsbury, a professional swim instructor for over 16 years, has taught over 700 children to swim and to be pool-safe. He is the author of Luca Learns to Swim: A Family's Companion to Swim Lessons.
_____________________________________________________________________
I would like for my 3-year-old daughter to learn how to swim. She’s always been a “fish” in the water; but for safety’s sake, I think it’s time for her to learn simple swim techniques. What should I look for in a class and in an instructor?
Dear Parent,
You are very fortunate. Although three is on the younger side, being that your daughter “loves” the water, this bodes well for her learning to swim this year and, more importantly for you, for her to become more self-aware and pool-safe around water. If afraid of the water, I would have recommended waiting another year to start individual lessons when she has matured and become stronger both physically and mentally.
For her age and skill level, I would recommend the smallest class size available - private lessons if possible. The smaller the class the size the better they will be able to meet her specific needs and personality. I can not stress enough that, even though she is a “fish”, she is only three and is probably just getting used to following directions from other authority figures. It is possible, but not as probable, that she may find success in a group lesson situation.
Most swim programs at community pools or private swim centers offer three kinds of lessons including: group (3+ students), semi-private (2 students) and private (one-on-one). If you are fortunate to have a pool in your backyard, there are free-lance instructors (like myself) who will travel to your home. This can be very convenient for you and practical for your child who will learn to navigate in your pool.
As far as what to look for in a program and instructor, seek out recommendations from friends and relatives. Always check references and interview! Ask questions about their teaching philosophy, approach to working with a resistant child, their make-up policy, what kind of lesson program they think would best suit your daughter, and instructor certifications and experience.
In addition, to be pro-active, you may want to purchase a swim lesson preparation book such as “Luca Learns to Swim”. This will help you introduce swim lessons to your daughter and possibly to start a dialogue about any questions or anxieties she may be having. There are no guarantees when it comes to children learning to swim, but taking a pro-active approach on your end will make you feel good about your swim program choice and increase the likelihood of your daughter’s success. Remember, all children learn at different rates; anticipating that this is a long-term experience will give your daughter the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence in water that she will rely on the rest of her life.
Happy Swimming!
________________________________________________
SWIM LESSONS FOR A RELUCTANT SWIMMER
(From Landlubber to Frisky Fish)
By: Barry Shrewsbury
Parents recognize the importance and value of learning to swim, so each year millions of children, ages 3 - 6, step into a pool for their first swim lesson. For some, the transition from non-swimmer to swimmer is smooth. These children enjoy being in water, are comfortable in most educational settings and readily follow directions from non-parent authority figures. If this describes your child, their swim lesson progress will probably be relatively smooth and resistance free. However, if your child is uneasy around water -even in the bathtub- the process can be daunting.
A child who dislikes getting water on their face, let alone putting their face in the water (required for learning to swim), will likely have resistance to swim instruction. This resistance can be compounded if your child is not particularly adventurous and/or is uncomfortable around new people. Fear not! You are not alone. Many of the children I have taught started with these issues and ultimately became confident, enthusiastic and pool-safe swimmers. When choosing a lesson program for this type of child, it is important to take a proactive approach with a long-term view towards your goal.
To increase the likelihood of your child's success, please consider the following factors. Most importantly, choose the best possible swim program and instructor. The optimal choice is for private lessons or the smallest class size available. With one-on-one lessons your child will have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with the instructor who will have the time and attention to focus on their unique personality and needs. In general, private (or semi-private) lessons, which most swim schools offer, cost more. However, in terms of overall cost effectiveness, they can save time and money, as your child may progress more rapidly with individualized instruction. If you have your own pool (with a heating system), it may be possible to find a warm and experienced instructor to come to your house. It can be easier on your child, and convenient for you, if the lessons are in a familiar environment. I recommend waiting until reluctant swimmers are at least 4 years old to begin formal lessons. In the mean time, you might consider a “Mommy and Me” class.
When choosing a program, be thorough, check references, ask about pool temperature (85 degrees or warmer is best), and inquire about the program's philosophy on working with tentative children. I use a style which is light-hearted and compassionate, yet firm. I've had tremendous results moving a child through fear with this approach. Once children comfortably open their eyes underwater, swimming can begin and you will witness their confidence and joy growing on a lesson by lesson basis.
If your child is struggling with having water on her face, make water time at home playful. Don't give up! The more comfortable a child becomes in water, the quicker the transition into lessons. If you know the instructors' name, use it liberally as you approach your scheduled lessons, and talk up the joys of swimming. Arrive early and make sure your child uses the bathroom beforehand. Plan on being out of site during the lesson (watching from a vantage point where your child can't see you). This will allow your child to work through their anxiety and strengthen their relationship with the instructor. Immediately afterwards, and in the days following, praise them for any success. Find a swim lesson storybook which visually introduces your child to swimming and read it together frequently. Invite your child to talk about their feelings. Knowing what a child is thinking and feeling can be a great advantage for parent and instructor in working through a child's nervousness before and throughout the learning process.
For many children (and for all involved), the process of learning to swim can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, if you take a proactive approach and remember that swimming is a life-enhancing (and saving) skill, your child's, and therefore everyone's, experience can be that much more enjoyable and successful.
Barry Shrewsbury, a professional swim instructor for over 16 years, has taught over 700 children to swim and to be pool-safe. He is the author of Luca Learns to Swim: A Family's Companion to Swim Lessons.
_____________________________________________________________________
I would like for my 3-year-old daughter to learn how to swim. She’s always been a “fish” in the water; but for safety’s sake, I think it’s time for her to learn simple swim techniques. What should I look for in a class and in an instructor?
Dear Parent,
You are very fortunate. Although three is on the younger side, being that your daughter “loves” the water, this bodes well for her learning to swim this year and, more importantly for you, for her to become more self-aware and pool-safe around water. If afraid of the water, I would have recommended waiting another year to start individual lessons when she has matured and become stronger both physically and mentally.
For her age and skill level, I would recommend the smallest class size available - private lessons if possible. The smaller the class the size the better they will be able to meet her specific needs and personality. I can not stress enough that, even though she is a “fish”, she is only three and is probably just getting used to following directions from other authority figures. It is possible, but not as probable, that she may find success in a group lesson situation.
Most swim programs at community pools or private swim centers offer three kinds of lessons including: group (3+ students), semi-private (2 students) and private (one-on-one). If you are fortunate to have a pool in your backyard, there are free-lance instructors (like myself) who will travel to your home. This can be very convenient for you and practical for your child who will learn to navigate in your pool.
As far as what to look for in a program and instructor, seek out recommendations from friends and relatives. Always check references and interview! Ask questions about their teaching philosophy, approach to working with a resistant child, their make-up policy, what kind of lesson program they think would best suit your daughter, and instructor certifications and experience.
In addition, to be pro-active, you may want to purchase a swim lesson preparation book such as “Luca Learns to Swim”. This will help you introduce swim lessons to your daughter and possibly to start a dialogue about any questions or anxieties she may be having. There are no guarantees when it comes to children learning to swim, but taking a pro-active approach on your end will make you feel good about your swim program choice and increase the likelihood of your daughter’s success. Remember, all children learn at different rates; anticipating that this is a long-term experience will give your daughter the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence in water that she will rely on the rest of her life.
Happy Swimming!
