By casting your vote online , you can help me “reach for the wall”  in their Best Twitter Feed competition.  I give my best effort on a daily basis trying to contribute useful tips and info. through my twitter feeds and facebook posts.   I’m hopeful those contributions will pay off by you casting your vote! 

The race is close, and it looks like its going to come down to the last stroke!

Thanks for your business and for your loyal support.

Vote Swim Professor today!

SwimmingSafercerely!

Jim Reiser, M.S.

The Swim Professor

Swim Lessons University

So in today’s article, Private Swim Lessons, I’d like to share my thoughts and experiences on private swim lessons.   Let’s take a look at the pros and cons, as well as a number of very important considerations:

• The Number of Lessons & Student; Instructor Integrity
• The Frequency of Corrective Feedback the Child Receives.
• The “Missing Peer Learning” Factor
• The Feedback Factor
• Practice Time Factors.
• The Cost / Profit Factors.
• Scheduling Factors.
• The Water Safety Factors

The Number of Lessons AND Student; Instructor Integrity

The number of private swim lessons that a child is going to receive with the same instructor is a very significant factor when determining whether or not private swim lessons are the best alternative.  In other words, a child may improve faster in a private lesson than in any other lesson format, however, I believe that rapid improvement is limited to a subjective number of lessons.  What is that time period?   If you watch closely enough—you will know!

So why is this?  First and foremost, the instructor-student integrity tends to naturally break down over time, very similar to why it’s difficult to teach your own child in one-on-one situations.  The same dynamic develops over time with your child’s swim instructor as the child gets to know the instructor and his/her comfort level with the teacher increases.  So when you are teaching a “one-on-one” lesson, you eventually lose that “teacher-student” integrity.   Why?  For starters, in order to keep the lesson enjoyable and fun, you have to be the child’s friend (so to speak).  When this occurs, there is naturally a break down in the child’s focus on the task at hand.  It does vary some from one child to the next, and even from one teacher to the next, but eventually it does happen.

The Missing “Peer Learning” Factor

The other dynamic that hinders the benefit of private lessons is the missing peer learning dynamic. Not only do children benefit from having at least one other child in their lesson for social reasons and to make it more enjoyable (it gets boring), but children also tend to work harder too.  Even if they’re “not competitive by nature,” it’s still “human nature” to work a little harder when you’re around your peers.  I’m sure you can think of a dozen examples.

Practice Time Factor

Practice is the “mother of learning,” and this factor certainly is a consideration that comes into play when determining the best class format, i.e., private lessons, semi-privates, trios, quads, small groups, etc.    In addition, there are a number of factors that will affect practice time in any of the previous mentioned formats, including but not limited to age, swimming ability, the instructor’s training and experience, etc.  Even with the least experienced of teachers, sufficient practice time will likely be achieved in a private lessons setting.  However, with well-trained and experienced teachers, private lessons are certainly not required to achieve the practice time goal.

The Feedback Factor

As you may know, my graduate work is in Physical Education and Motor Learning / Motor Skill Acquisition.  One very interesting study that I will never forget was about feedback.   The study shows that TOO MUCH FEEDBACK (more than 50% of the time) CAN HINDER LEARNING.  The reasoning too much feedback hinders learning is that the learner becomes dependent on the feedback.  I would also add the fact that “Kids Just Want to Have Fun!”   It’s not that they don’t want to learn, but you will drive most any child up the wall if you are correcting them every time they swim across the pool.

The Cost / Profit Factor

Ironically, while the cost of the private lesson is significantly higher than other formats, it also gives the swim school the lowest rate of return (unless the other class formats don’t fill up).   But business aside, my genuine professional advice to any parent who wants their child to become a better swimmer is to pay less (go with semi, trio, quad, etc.) and get more (lessons).  In fact, I can prove that philosophy to be true.  You can ask anyone who knows me or has seen me teaching my own children and they will tell you that I have always have my children in either semi’s, trios, or even quads.   In terms of which specific class I would choose, i.e., semi (2 on 1), trio (3 on 1), etc., it really depends on the child’s age and ability level of the child.

As a swim school owner, I want and need to do whatever the customer’s preference is, yet I like to educate them on the pros and cons and help them make an educated decision on what is best for their child.   From a business standpoint I know one thing for sure: profit cannot exist if you’re not true to your customers.  Show your customers (through your actions) that you care first, and the revenue with naturally follows.

The Scheduling Factor

For a start-up swim school without a sound scheduling/class placement plan, private lessons are certainly the easiest to schedule. You don’t have to predetermine the course needed because the individual’s ability level always determines your lesson plan or progressions.  However, if you have a solid placement system in place, you can make the scheduling issue a “non-factor” as we have since 1989!

The Water Safety Factor

From a drowning prevention standpoint, it is difficult to have a safer situation than one-on-one supervision.   Nevertheless, I encourage every parent no matter how small the class is to watch your child closely anytime they are in or around the water.  There’s no such thing as too much supervision when it comes to our child’s safety in a swimming pool.

Of course for beginners, especially those who can’t touch the bottom, I always favor using a progressive flotation device that clearly adds a safety component to the class.   And if you are teaching a large group of beginners, say 7 students or more, then I would prefer a Coast Guard approved Life Jacket, at least until the student has developed some swimming fundamentals and can touch the bottom.

When it comes to choosing an instructor, you want to choose one who has a philosophy that is child-centered.  There are plenty of unsafe practices could be dangerous for a child if a task-oriented approach is taken by the wrong instructor.  Of course Swim Lessons University Instructors are trained to use a child centered approach that includes safe, natural swimming progressions.

Summary

There is definitely a time and place for private lessons, and there are instructors, like my close friend Katrina Ramser Parish, who just loves teaching private lessons.   There is nothing wrong with that!  You do what you love to do!  If you’re not happy and enjoying what you are doing, then what’s the point?

So there are exceptions for every rule.   I personally prefer something different in “most” situations.   What is that something different?  Semi-private lessons, trios, and quad classes, and if the situation is right, i.e., student’s age and ability, teacher’s experience and training, etc., there is a place for small group swim lessons as well.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog, and be on the look out for a related blog that will discuss Semi-private Swim Lessons, Trios, and Quads!

Tom Brady, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God
was showing him around. They came to a modest little house
with a faded Patriots flag in the window. ‘This house is yours for
eternity, Tom,’ said God. ‘This is very special; not everyone gets a
house up here.’

Tom felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up the
porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story
mansion with a Black and Gold sidewalk, a 50 foot tall
flagpole with an enormous Steelers flag, and in every
window, a Terrible Towel

Tom looked at God and said ‘God, I’m not trying to be ungrateful, but
I have a question. I was an all-pro QB, I won 3 Super
Bowls, and I even went to the Hall of Fame.’

God said ‘So what do you want to know, Tom?’ ‘Well, why does Big Ben
get a better house than me?’

God chuckled and said ‘Tom that’s not Big Ben’s house, it’s mine.’

Look for someone you believe is not just clean in appearance, but also clean minded. Classy people know when to talk. Most people talk without thinking. Classy people don’t. Even little things like good manners say a lot about a person. I admire people who always show consideration to others even when they don’t show it back. Classy people don’t use foul or derogatory language. Did you know swearing was something Coach John Wooden and Coach Tony Dungy never did around their players?

Positive behavior always gets someone further with me. When researching this subject, I read “classy people never cry broke!” I recently mentioned to someone that my enrollment was down and blamed the “off-season” and the economy. Now I am thinking that wasn’t very classy of me. We need to keep our chins up always make others think you have money, students, etc. without deceiving them (never lie, just avoid or redirect).

Look for people with integrity. Look for people with positive outlooks. Look for people who are winners in life. With the Swim Lessons University Swimming Instructor Training Program, you can take any person with these characteristics and a little class and turn them into a brilliant swimming instructor and asset to your swim school! An applicant can have all the experience and technical knowledge in the world, but if they are not a “class” act—keep looking!

Thanks for checking in. I was thinking about emailing you on our progress. My first three students all wanted private swim lessons and the first child (a nine year old boy who did not know how to swim at all) was doing freestyle with side breathing on the third lesson. I have decided to give the parents the option of once or twice per week because I really want the kids to learn to swim. Most choose twice per week and the kiddos are learning very quickly. I have a total of four students and that number will go up to 10 in November when soccer ends.

The parents have all told me they really like the progression style teaching ( Swim Lessons University Lessons Plans) and that I spend a lot of time with each child, which is something they did not see at the bigger swim schools in the area. One thing that the children have really enjoyed that I do is “I find out what each kid really likes and make the lesson fit the child.” Example: one of my 4 year olds loves Indiana Jones. So each skill is on that theme. Instead of “get your motorboat out of the mud”, we get “Indiana’s Jeep out of the quicksand.” (Great example of how you can take the Swim Lessons University Lesson plans and add ideas of your own to make your lessons unique). Another idea I had that the children love is that I also am able to provide token coins that the kiddos earn as they master skills and then can cash in at my treasure box at the end of each lesson.

All in all I am having a great time with all of your Swim Lessons University training products you sent me!

Thanks you so much!

Coach Jimmesue
Camas, WA

5 STEPS TO MAKING $100 PER HOUR

How much money do you make an hour?  $8 – $10 per hour?  Lifeguarding is a nice summer job.  You get tan, you’re around lots of beautiful people, and the spirits around the swimming pool are usually great!

But wouldn’t you rather make $80 to $100 per hour than $8- $10?  Of course you would!  And you probably can!

In this article, I’m going to get you started with 5 simple steps to making a bunch of money next summer!

Now onto the FUN STUFF!

Step #1: Prepare Yourself NOW in the off-season.

If you want the buzz among parents at the pool to be what an incredible teacher are–then you have to do your homework now!

The easiest way to become a Professional Swim Instructor is to visit Swim Lessons University and order the DVD videos that will show you EXACTLY how to teach swimming.  From baby swimming to butterfly, you will find it all here.   Not only will you get to see how the pros do it, but you can also get these DVD’s for no more than $35.00 per DVD course!  You will make that in your first half hour of teaching!

Step #2: Make Yourself Marketable!

On your flier, you want to be able to include credentials that will give parents confidence to hire you in the first place.  Here are several I’d recommend:

• Swim Lessons University trained
• Member & Certified Coach by American Swim Coaches Association
• Member of United States Swim School Association
• Member of World Aquatic Babies & Children’s Network
• Certified in Life guarding, CPR, & First Aid

You don’t have to do all of these, but swim association memberships, swim instructor training, and swim certifications sure looks great and they will all help you in the long run.

Step #3: Show that you are “proven” through testimonials.

If you go to The Swim Lessons Company website, you will see a whole link dedicated to “Parent Testimonials.”  When you go to the Swim Lessons University website, you will see a page dedicated to “Expert Endorsements.”  Does it establish a rapport?   Of course it does!  These are real comments by real customers!

So you ask, what if I never taught before?  No problem.  You know someone who has kids right?  You’re good with them right?  That’s all parents need to know to get you started!  Tell the parent what you’re doing and ask the parent to write 2 or 3 sentences on “how well you work with their daughter or son.”   When I interview teacher candidates, I often have them play something or teach something to my son.  To me, it’s very easy with the Swim Lessons University DVD’s to train someone to teach who is great with children.   And that’s what parents want to know too when they are considering hiring you!

Step #4   Start your summer job search in January!
This is critical because you need to have time to explore all your options.  Some jobs are going to be more attractive than others depending on the employer.  But what you most likely want to do is look at all area country clubs (there are other options) and secure a lifeguard job where they permit you to teach on the side in addition to your regular lifeguard hours.

Step #5   Dive in!  Let the fun begin and the money come in!

Promote yourself, your schedule, your rates, and determine how you will collect your fees.  I have tons of personal experience I could lend you here.  For example, at the first country club I taught at they let me put my flier in every newsletter.   All I had to do was stuff’em!   Put together and decide on whether your customers will have to sign up for a session or if they can sign up for one at a time.   Decide what size classes you are going to offer, i.e., privates, semi-privates, trios, quads or a combination.

Congratulations—you are an entrepreneur!  It’s a profitable, fun, and rewarding experience. Nothing is ever the same and you will always be growing and changing with the times.   If you would have questions or would like some personal advice, you will be excited to know that during my off season (August thru January) I offer a very reasonably priced “One–on-one Personal Consultation Service.”  You can call me toll free at 1-866-498-7946 or enroll online at www.swimlessonsuniversity.com I look forward to helping you and sincerely wish you all the success!

ASK YOURSELF THESE THREE QUESTIONS:

     1.  Are you SAVING money (and time) because of your online registration program?  

     2.  Is it EASY for YOU to use? 

     3.  Is it EASY for YOUR CUSTOMERS to use?    

      I have been with the same company, Time2Signup, for going on 10 years.  At one point, I wasn’t really that happy with it.  Technology was changing fast and my business was growing fast, making their old registration program more and more troublesome to use.  I voiced my concerns and what I really needed changed and they promised to rebuild the system . . . and they did!

I stuck with them for two reasons:

1. They treated me right (and still do).
2. Their service was, and still is, very reasonably priced.

     When my business was small, I was able to pay something like $50.00 per year and then just $2.50 per transaction.  Now that we have grown to as many as 1000 kids in a month, instead of paying $2500 per month we just pay a flat rate of $300 per month!  You can do whatever makes the most sense for you!

WHAT DO I REALLY LIKE?
     What I really like is they built their new Time2Signup system using a “smart default values” feature and a new technology (called AJAX) to minimize data entry to make the system easy for both you and your customers.  PLUS it makes it fast and easy for you to put your class schedule online.  In addition, you can also clone whole sessions or parts of old sessions into a new session.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE?
     Go to my website, http://WWW.SWIMLESSONSCOMPANY.COM and click signup now.  You will quickly begin to see WHY 75% of MY CUSTOMERS enroll online! Why is that so great?  Because that extra cash you had in overhead from your office staff expense now goes in YOUR POCKETS!

I WILL PERSONALLY HELP YOU GET A DISCOUNT!
     Because I have had such a long working relationship with Time2sign up, also now known as Business Focused Internet Systems, call me first and we will call Gene (General Manager of Time2/BFIS) together.  I’ll bet “dollars to donuts” I can get you a discount if you decide to go with Time2.

     Call me on my office phone toll free at 1-866-498-7946.  If you miss me (because most of my customers sign up online:)  I will call you back!

by
Jim Reiser, M.S., The Swim Professor
&
Vi Hendley, M.Ed., Autism Resource Specialist

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a life-long developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is thought to be the result of a neurological disorder that affects functioning of the brain.

Symptoms & Characteristics can include:

• Lack or delay in speech
• Fascination with objects rather than people
• Repetitive use of language
• Odd or repetitive body movements or mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Resistance to physical contact
• Decreased empathy
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

Having ASD makes it exceptionally difficult for individuals to communicate with others and relate to the outside world.

Autism is currently our nation’s most prevalent childhood developmental disorder. Recent studies from the Centers for Disease Control show that as many as one in 166 children born today are on the autism spectrum.

Is ASD Treatable?

ASD is treatable. Children do not “outgrow” ASD, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Introduction to Teaching Children with ASD

Children with autism are being turned down by the dozen in cities across America just like yours. Not because swim teachers don’t want to help, but because most swimming instructors don’t feel like they have the knowledge necessary to teach these special children successfully–and most of them don’t.

I recently teamed up with Vi Hendley, who brings in 28 years of teaching experience with individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In addition to some of the Success Strategies that we will share with you in this article, we a DVD called TEACHING CHILDREN WITH AUSTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER that you can order, which will afford you with the background and strategies you need to be successful, and so that you can leave your mark on a child that could change his life forever.

HERE ARE FIVE SUCCESS STRATEGIES YOU CAN USE TODAY!

SUCCESS STRATEGY #1:

Review Parent/Provider Checklist Before Your First Class

Before you starting teaching a child with ASD, it is absolutely imperative that you have an understanding your student’s individual needs. To do this, take these three steps:

STEP #1:

Require the parent to complete the Student Learning Assessment
of the child’s individual needs. (You can purchase the form we use for just $5.00 on our website at www.swimlessonsuniversity.com)

STEP #2:

Prior the first class—Review the Students Learning Assessment.

STEP #3

Make any necessary adaptations based on the Student Learning Assessment!

In our instructional DVD for swim teachers, Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, you can see real examples of how the Student Learning Assessment can help you.

SUCCESS STRATEGY #2:

Determine if You Have Enough Rapport

How do you do this? First, this may depend on the level of the ASD. If your student is high functioning, you can likely build rapport fairly easily by simply talking about his special interests.

In the DVD video, you can see howI learned from the assessment my student’s mother completed for me that he loved to pretend about SHARKS AND JELLY FISH. So before we even got in the water, I was able to develop a rapport with Phillip by talking about the sharks and jellyfish.

And he could hardly wait get in the pool and start pretending.

SUCCESS STRATEGY #3:

Implement the Exaggerated Affect

Kids with ASD characteristically have difficulty reading the facial expressions of others. So another strategy that’s proven to be effective is to exaggerate your facial expression. You can do this when giving instructions and most importantly when giving feedback.

SUCCESS STRATEGY #4:

Show it EXACTLY the Right Way—NEVER the Wrong Way

If you’re familiar with “The Swim Professor’s” Teach Like a Pro DVD, one of the techniques you can us so effectively when teaching young children to swim is the “Right way vs. the wrong way” technique. When your teaching children with ASD, however, it’s really best to avoid this technique.

One characteristic of children with ASD is they tend to pick up on irrelevant details. So you even have to be extra careful when demonstrating the right way that everything you show your students is precisely what you want them to do.

SUCCESS STRATEGY #5:

Use Visual Supports

In one ear and out the other, out of sight is out of mind. Because students with autism have difficulty with retaining auditory information, these old sayings are so true for children with ASD. And because children with ASD tend to be visual learners, it is so important to have your rules, techniques, and expectations in a visual format.

I was amazed at how effective these Visual Support cards were from the first time I saw Vi use them. On our DVD program, you can see how the children zero in on these. In fact, I like them so much, I asked Vi to pick her favorite cards and make them available for you. So if you would like to have your own personal set of Vi’s laminated visual supports, you can order them right on our website at www.swimlessonsuniversity.com

If you would like to learn more SUCCESS STRATEGIES for Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, you can order the brand new instructional DVD at www.swimlessonsuniversity.com

I hope some of the ideas that Vi and I shared with you today will help you be more effective and most importantly, make your classes more enjoyable for both you and your students.