Have you ever fallen into the “feedback trap?” Many swimming instructors, especially those instructors and coaches who are exceptionally knowledgeable on swimming technique often fall into a trap—a trap often referred to as a “feedback trap.” When teaching beginners, or even a new skill to more advanced swimming students, it is critical that we consider the stages of learning before offering feedback. All of these students are in the “Cognitive Stage of Learning.”
Students in the “Cognitive Stage of Learning” are known to have the following characteristics:
The student makes gross mistakes.
The student makes a large number of errors.
The student is inconsistent in his or her performance.
The student often knows he or she is doing something wrong, but they aren’t quite sure what to do differently in order to correct it.
Just as critical as each of the above-mentioned characteristics, beginners generally lack confidence! With that in mind, it is imperative that swimming instructors don’t fall into the “feedback trap” of giving too many corrections! No matter how “technically sound” and “accurate” the instructor’s feedback may be—the feedback often leads to over-thinking, paralysis by analysis, and overall frustration for the student. We can never forget that the purpose of feedback which is to enhance learning, not the opposite.
With this in mind, my first word of advice to learn-to-swim instructors is to use plenty of positive feedback and build your student’s confidence. Remember, practice is the best of all instructors. In order to make strides and improvements when learning a skill as delicate and often scary as learning to swim, your learners must be confident in themselves. Therefore, you have to create an atmosphere that is very positive, very encouraging, and very friendly.
I hope today’s blog helps you. I will be posting several more blogs on feedback in the upcoming weeks. We will cover how and when to give specific corrective feedback, specific evaluative feedback, and many more feedback techniques and tricks!
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim is the first American to win the award in 10 years.
If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University certification program and curriculum, make sure to visit us atwww.SwimLessonsUniversity.com We have training and certification programs designed for both private instructors as well as organizations like YMCAs, Recreation Departments, Athletic Clubs, and more.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
I don’t know if other coaches have asked this question but…..After finishing a season of teaching & starting a new one a few months later–do you start your children in the level that they were at before or do you place them in the lower level to make sure the skills they learnt are still familiar?
If my swim lessons student swam without the flotation devise and performed the Surface Swim with Pop-up Style Breathing (just about) at the end of the season last year, do I place him in “Swim Strokes 201″ right away or go back to “Swim 101?” I’d appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you.
Helen H., Aquatics Director
Vero Beach, FL
Excellent questions. Helen! Your first question:
Do you start your children in the swim level that they were at before or do you place them in the lower level to make sure the skills they learnt are still familiar? Generally speaking, we would recommend that you place the child in whatever level he left off before taking a break. Do students come back a little rusty sometimes? Of course! But our experience is that that won’t last very long. Within a lesson or two, the skills and stamina will be back. While I don’t like to compare swimming to riding a bike because it is much more complex skill, there is still truth in the statement. Once you learn a skill, you don’t forget it. You may lose conditioning, flexibility, reaction time, etc., but you remember the skill.
Your second question:
If my student swam without the flotation devise, Surface Swimming with Pop-up Style Breathing (just about) at the end of the season last year, do you place him in “Swim Strokes 201” right away or go back to “Swim 101?” Now this part is a slight bit trickier. Quite frankly, I would base some of this decision around the child’s age as wellas the quality and consistency of his performance.
For example: If you have a 3-year old or even young 4-year old who just barely passed the “Surface Swim with Pop-up Style Breathing,” then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend that he continue to strengthen this skill. If your best judgment is that you believe the young child will struggle to learn the new skill of Freestyle (Front Crawl), then I would recommend to his parents that the “Swim 101” skills are going to be a little more age-appropriate and stick with those for another session or so until they are “mastered.” Don’t get me wrong, 4-year olds and some 3-year olds can pick up a crawl stroke, but there is plenty of time for that if the Basic Surface Swim with Pop-up Style Breathing can still improve a good deal.
When you look at the child development literature, research shows that most children develop in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. AND THIS MILESTONE stands out to me in this case: On average, three to five year olds do NOT have real control over their major muscles. They lack coordination, which is critical to combining the arms and legs in putting together the front crawl. So this is why we teach 3-5 year olds the Surface Swim with Pop-up Style Breathing. But again, as we pointed out earlier, once a 3-5 year old has mastered the “Swim 101” skills and is stroke ready, you can graduate him to “Swim Strokes 201” and add the Front Crawl (Freestyle).
I hope this helps, Helen!
Warm Regards,
Jim Reiser
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim is the first American to win the award in 10 years.
If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University certification program and curriculum, make sure to visit us atwww.SwimLessonsUniversity.com We have training and certification programs designed for both private instructors as well as organizations like YMCAs, Recreation Departments, Athletic Clubs, and more.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
When you can provide a positive, playful environment in your swimming lessons that also produces lots of quality repetition for your preschoolers, you are guaranteed to have success. This is all possible because your students are fully engaged and having fun. Here is an example of one of the kick activities for young children that will be featured in the 2nd Edition (coming in 2014) of Swim 101 Certification Course video and swim lesson plan:
A FEW IMPORTANT COMMENTS:
This particular video was shot in 1999. While children enjoy it just as much today, we will be making a few tweaks for the 2nd Edition Swim 101 Course Video:
1. We now use the “thicker, super sized noodle” which is especially helpful when you have young 3-year olds just learning their balance or larger children in which the small noodle isn’t buoyant enough to give them the appropriate amount of support.
2. The instructor comments, “nice and straight legs.” That is an exaggeration. We really don’t want the legs perfectly straight AND it would be very difficult, let alone ineffective to kick with “straight legs.” But since young students generally bend the knees excessively, feedback cues such as “straighten the legs out” can be effective even though you don’t mean “literally straight.”
3. When manipulating the legs, Swim Lessons University now recommends a technique we call the “Sack of Sugar.” Watch this video to see how to do it:
4. We now use the smaller nets as you just saw in the video demonstrating the “sack of sugar.” If you would like to purchase the smaller nets, email jreiser@swimprofessor
Hope you enjoyed this post!
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim is the first American to win the award in 10 years.
If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University certification program and curriculum, make sure to visit us atwww.SwimLessonsUniversity.com We have training and certification programs designed for both private instructors as well as organizations like YMCAs, Recreation Departments, Athletic Clubs, and more.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
Today’s blog is in a Q & A Format, as I answer questions from a baby swimming teacher from Thailand:
Thailand Instructor: After almost 9 years experince babies and toddlers to swim in Asia, Australia, and UK I am looking to find the best method for submerge progress. What I trying to know is that babies from 3 to 11 months are capable to hold their breath without doing any conditioning or water pouring activities?
Swim Professor: Babies do have an Epiglottal Reflex (Gag Reflex) that is well defined at birth and diminishes over the first 12-18 months of life. So when water accidentally enters the mouth an involuntary spasm of the glottis and epiglottis occurs, keeping water out of the windpipe (trachea). This does NOT prevent water from entering the esophagus, which leads to the stomach. At Swim Lessons University, our official Parent & Tot course does not begin until 12 months of age, although we make exceptions to start as young as 9 months. There are three reasons:
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics new recommendation is that swimming lessons can start at 12 months of age.
2. We want a baby’s pediatrician to approve of the activity.
3. Babies under 12 months of age are very limited from a motor skill standpoint. This prevents them from mastering real swimming skills in a joyful, positive environment. Instead, we recommend our Bathtub Baby 101 Program.
Thailand Instructor: If we prepare babies with stimulus activity such as pouring water with a full cup over head or with sprinkle, do babies accustom to this activity every time when they come to pool? By pouring the a full cup of water will babies stop breathing? I experiment two different techniques. The first is pouring water over baby’s head and let baby know the verbal READY GO then gentle pull baby to self. In third class, after READY GO, i pause a second then submerge the baby. The result was good, no crying, no coughing it was just positive reaction.
Swim Professor: At Swim Lessons University, we use water-pouring activities ONLY as warm-up activity to get infants and toddlers comfortable with water on the face. Your “Ready Go” command is fine (we use 1, 2, 3, breath cue) BUT the key is that your start command is consistent. In other words, since our cue to the baby is “1, 2, 3, breathe” is the “signal” to the baby that we are going under water, we “condition” the baby “so to speak” that when they hear “1, 2, 3, breathe” that the submersion follows. Here is a video example of this:
HOWEVER, if the baby communicates that he is scared thru verbal or body language, we would NOT submerge the baby.
***ALSO VERY IMPORTANT: Just because a baby isn’t coughing or gagging DOES NOT mean that the baby isn’t drinking the water. This is one reason we think it is critical to go under water and watch the baby during submersions. In addition, we think it is important to limit the number of submersions you do with the baby over the course of a 25 minute lesson.
Thailand Instructor: In another technique, I did cup conditioning for two weeks. READY GO then pouring a full cup of water over baby’s head. Running the water fast and smooth only for a second (practice as long as baby was happy, 5 times). So, in third week when i hold the cup and i say the READY GO then suddenly baby reacts such as closing the eyes and intense face. I did submerge baby positively same as first one, but i relized that i have to do cup conditioning for before first submerge in every class.
Swim Professor: Again, I would just look at the “water pouring” as a warm-up activity during a song (as seen in the Parent & Tot DVD), not as part of the conditioning process. In addition, we don’t necessarily wait for a “certain number of classes” to let our toddlers perform breath holding or breath control activities. If the toddler is receptive to the skill on the first day and you are using a child-focused progression and common sense, you will find many toddlers are ready for facial immersion on the first day. On the other hand, any indication that the child is not ready should be the instructor’s sign to come back to it on perhaps the following class. All skills should be done at the child’s pace, NOT the parent’s or instructor’s.
Thailand Instructor: Would you please help to know more about holding breath progress and also about baby’s reflexes?
Swim Professor: Of course I discussed the Epiglottal Reflex earlier. In terms of breath holding, it’s all about the child’s readiness. In our Parent & Tot Certification Course, we cover this in detail. But we combine breath holding with the Surface Swim Progression. Here is a look at the first two steps of our 3-STAGE PROGRESSION:
STAGE ONE:
Here is Stage One of a Surface Swim with 21-month old, Saylor. Watch how I keep my eyes on her face to ensure she is happy throughout the process, I never let her go, nor do I take her underneath the surface of the water. Humans swim at the surface, therefore, especially when you introduce swimming to young infants and toddlers you avoid taking them under the surface or dunking them. You gently place the face in the water after giving a 1-2-3 start command. Secondly, you bring them up for air when they are ready. Don’t overstay your welcome. Their facial expressions and their body language tells you everything you need to know in order to keep the task child-focused.
STAGE TWO
Here is Stage Two of the Surface Swim Progression. Notice how I watch my student under water ensuring each moment of the swim is a positive one. Now that Rex successfully performed stage two, he is ready for stage three which is the “pop-up breath.”
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim was the first American to win the award in 10 years.
If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University certification program and curriculum, make sure to visit us at www.SwimLessonsUniversity.com
We have training and certification programs designed for both private instructors as well as organizations like YMCAs, Recreation Departments, Athletic Clubs, and more.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
One of the BIGGEST mistakes parents make from a water safety perspective is not giving their child the opportunity to continue learning how to REALLY SWIM! By the time a child is 5 years of age, he is capable of swimming the length of most any residential pool using formal strokes such as freestyle (front crawl) and backstroke. As a physical educator, I strongly encourage parents to have their children participate in a variety of sports and activities–BUT NEVER as a substitute to becoming a competent swimmer. If your child is five years old and can’t swim freestyle with side breathing (as seen in this video), please twice about re-prioritizing his or her activities.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim was the first American to win the award in 10 years.
If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University certification program and curriculum, make sure to visit us at www.SwimLessonsUniversity.com
We have training and certification programs designed for both private instructors as well as organizations like YMCAs, Recreation Departments, Athletic Clubs, and more.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
How quickly can a child learn to swim? This is a complex question, and quite frankly, the wrong question. It is so important that we, as parents, allow learning to swim to be a natural, enjoyable process. One that is fun, rewarding, and stress-free! Children naturally start setting goals on their own, especially if they are learning in a class with their peers or if the instructor is encouraging the child in a positive, motivational manner.
It is critical that parents do not compare their child to the next, nor should any adults impose their goals on a child. Embrace the process, and let the child enjoy it. Learning to swim is a process, not an event. I understand that there is a financial motive to graduate a child from lessons as quickly as possible in some cases. But never forget that you are investing in a lifelong skill for your child. Look at the money, time, and commitment level we as parents will put into travel baseball, soccer, gymnastics, karate, etc. Look at the time and money dad puts into improving his golf game. When investing in swimming instruction, at the very least you are investing in a skill that your child will have his entire life for fun, safety, and fitness. At best, you are investing in the only sports skill that could save his life!
Like learning to read, your expectations should change based on your child’s age. What you get excited about your child reading in 1st grade would not be the same when he reaches 3rd grade. On the other hand, he may not be capable of 3rd grading reading in 1st grade. Learning to swim is no different. There are numerous considerations that affect not only a child’s progress and skill development, but determine whether it is even realistic to expect your child to master a certain skill or stroke:
1. Chronological Age
2. Motor Skill Development
3. Emotional Development
4. Cognitive Development
5. Physical Development
6. Practice time with a well-trained instructor (How many months a year? How many days per week?)
7. Unstructured swim time in the pool.
At Swim Lessons University, we want parents and instructors to understand what their children are capable of doing at a variety of ages for two reasons:
• To help keep the parents expectations realistic.
• To help the parents understand what their child is capable of learning.
The following Learn to Swim Objectives or Swimming Benchmarks can be generally achieved at the following ages,that the child is receiving professional instruction six to eight months out of the year (about 50 classes per year):
By 12 months old, infants/toddlers participating in Parent & Tot classes not only build comfort in the water, but they can begin learning the basic kicking skills, breath holding, breath control, and prerequisite skills to what will be instrumental to their progress over the next couple years.
By 18 months old, toddlers participating in Parent & Tot classes will continue to refine their skills. The skills they should continue to develop include the basic flutter kick, breath control, a Stage Two short surface swim with a progressive flotation vest (3-5 ft.), and the beginning progressions of the safety skills.
By 24 months old, toddlers can learn how to get back to the pool edge after entering the water from a seated position. IMPORTANT NOTE: This objective is possible IF the child has had the previous recommended instruction and experience, and has already mastered the 18-month old benchmark.
By 30 months old, toddlers can also learn to swim short distances (up to 10 feet) with their face in the water. IMPORTANT NOTE: This objective is possible IF the child has had the previous recommended instruction and experience, and has already mastered the 24-month old benchmark.
By 36 months old, young children can learn how to consistently get back to the edge of the pool from a jump. Young children at this age can also begin to learn the Surface Swim with a Pop-up Breath. IMPORTANT NOTE: This objective is possible IF the child has had the previous recommended instruction and experience, and has already mastered the 30-month old benchmark.
By four years old, young children are capable of swimming across most any residential pool, face in the water, while using the pop-up breath to get their air. IMPORTANT NOTE: This objective is possible IF the child has had the previous recommended instruction and experience.
By five year old, children are capable of swimming the length of most any residential pool using formal swim strokes like freestyle (front crawl) and backstroke. IMPORTANT NOTE: This objective is possible IF the child has had the previous recommended instruction and experience.
By six years old, children are capable of learning advanced strokes such as butterfly, breaststroke, sidestroke, elementary backstroke, and even the skill of treading water. IMPORTANT NOTE: This objective is possible IF the child has had the previous recommended instruction and experience.
By seven or eight years old, children are capable of swimming 100 meters (4 lengths of a Jr. Olympic-sized pool), using any variety of strokes to increase their safety in open water situations (i.e., rivers, lakes, ocean). IMPORTANT NOTE: This objective is possible IF the child has had the previous recommended instruction and experience.
ONE LAST TIP! Encourage your child. Avoid comparing him to his classmates. Celebrate each accomplishment. Most importantly, provide positive reinforcement for “trying his best.” Teach him not to use the word “can’t,” and replace it with “I’ll try!”
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim was the first American to win the award in 10 years.
If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University certification program and curriculum, make sure to visit us at www.SwimLessonsUniversity.com
We have training and certification programs designed for both private instructors as well as organizations like YMCAs, Recreation Departments, Athletic Clubs, and more.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
The American Camp Association has added Swim Lessons University as one of the ACA’s nationally recognized Learn-to-Swim providers. Says Rhonda Mickelson, ACA Director of Standards, “we are pleased to announce Swim Lessons University is now an officially recognized provider for ACA swim lessons programs and swim instructor certification.”
Swim Lessons University makes training swimming instructors more convenient and affordable. Through video-based instructor training and online certification testing, many organizations are looking to Swim Lessons University for their services. Barb Limbo, Aquatics Specialist and Supervisor for Rapid City Recreation in South Dakota says, “The ease of training staff is great. The videos not only show the instructors how to interact with the children, they show real classes and real teachers using the actual skill progressions. Executive director Jim Reiser is wonderful and has been great to work with on the switch at our facility–making our transition much easier.“ Teri Gotro, Recreation Director in El Dorado Hills, California, posted her thoughts and video samples of her instructors using the SLU curriculum on her YouTube page.
If you would like to learn how to become a Swim Lessons University Certified Swimming Instructor, or how to implement the SLU curriculum at your facility–visit the SLU website or call the SLU National Office toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim was the first American to win the award in 10 years.
If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University certification program and curriculum, make sure to visit us at www.SwimLessonsUniversity.com
We have training and certification programs designed for both private instructors as well as organizations like YMCAs, Recreation Departments, Athletic Clubs, and more.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
First of all, if your student is under the age of six, I strongly suggest that you first teach a child to swim with the hands at the sides, using a “pop-up breath.” Why? It’s pretty simple. At these younger ages, while children CAN and SHOULD learn the front crawl/freestyle, it takes LONGER to learn because of the where a child is at from a motor skill development standpoint. Secondly, we know that over 50% of all drownings for children under the of six occur in residential pools (SafeKids World Wide). If a child can master swimming with the hands at the sides with a strong flutter kick and a pop-up breath quicker than he can learn freestyle, then I think we need to teach them the basic swimming skill (kicking with a pop-up breath) as early as possible. If the child is six years of age or older, we approach the skills progression differently. Why? Because by age six, the motor skills are much more developed. Our experience is that if a six year old can hold his breath for 4-5 seconds, then he will pick up the freestyle (front crawl) quite quickly because his motor skills are better. Children at this age have fairly good coordination, so teaching freestyle to the beginner is much more age appropriate. Secondly, we know that between the ages of six and 14 years of age, more than 50% of all drowning are in open water situations. Since freestyle is going to be much more effective skill in a more challenging situation such as in open water, it makes more sense to start teaching freestyle to beginners age six and over).
The secret when teaching beginners to swim freestyle (front crawl) is to utilize the progression principal combined with clear, precise instructions or cues that tend to the “whole idea” of the swimming skill. In this video, you will see my young Swim Strokes 201 student make some nice improvements in just a matter of a few repeats. This same progression can be used with a Swim 102 (6-9 year old beginner) or Swim 103 (10-12 years). Rather than asking her to swim all the way across the pool, you can see the progression principle being utilized, making each improvement achievable. You will also see the use of specific corrective and evaluative feedback. Take a look:
For more video on “How to Teach the Freestyle and Backstroke,” check us out at Swim Lessons University. All of these teaching concepts are discussed and shown in detail in Swim 102, Swim Strokes 201/202/203, and” Teach Like a Pro!”
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiserthe recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim is the first American to win the award in 10 years.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
For the last three plus decades, we have been experimenting with learn-to-swim flotation devices, experimenting with different ways to use them, and most importantly–striving to determine how to most effectively use them in order to help children learn to swim more efficiently. At Swim Lessons University, we train swimming instructors to use buoyancy devices in a manner that is not only progressive and effective, but it also makes the process of learning to swim safer and more enjoyable.
In today’s blog, I am going to share with you video footage that will demonstrate the WRONG WAY and the RIGHT WAY to use flotation vests, as well as BEFORE AND AFTER FOOTAGE so you can see the evidence.
As you watch this first video clip, notice how the little girl on the left has just enough flotation that she can successfully practice the pop-up breath. Whereas the young student on the right, Nolan, has too little flotation CAUSING him to go into what I call “survival swimming.” You could even say he is swimming scared. If your students are in survival swimming mode, as the instructor, you are basically eliminating their ability to practice the “Pop-up Breath.” You are also often creating unnecessary anxiety in your student, which not only reduces his chances to improve, but it may also impede the progress all together. Take a look:
The neat thing about the next video clip is you are going to see Nolan, on the same day, perform the same skill, with two more flotation pads. Notice how the proper amount of buoyancyaffords our student with the ability to practice the “pop-up breath” with confidence. The neat thing about these “progressive flotation vests,” is that you can give your students JUST ENOUGH flotation to be successful. HOWEVER, SUCCESS is the key. If your student is struggling, if your student can’t get his breath and immediately return to the face down swimming position then you need to ADD FLOTATION. Watch the difference:
As your student’s skills improve to the point that the breath is automatic and effortless, then you can remove a buoyancy pad. As long as the child doesn’t resort to the “survival swimming” mode, you can continue to remove flotation until he/she is swimming independently without it. The flotation not only increases confidence and a child’s willingness to try, it increases “quality practice time” and promotes “good body positioning and technique.” Last but not least, it make learning to swim enjoyable, creating a life long love affair of the water vs. fearing it.
Within just a few weeks of the first two clips where you saw Nolan NEEDED the flotation, you will now get to see Nolan performing the Surface Swim with the “Pop-up Breath” without it:
In the earlier videos, the flotation allowed him to practice a skill he could not do otherwise. Our years of testing clearly demonstrate students don’t get dependent on flotation. They do get dependent, however, on an instructor, or a parent holding them. Regarding a false sense of security, no parent or child should EVER have a false sense of security. Parents and children need to understand that LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES! They are like SEAT BELTS. No one should be ashamed to wear a life jacket when in or around the water. Life Jackets just aren’t for boating either. In our “Water Smart 101” program for children, the rule of thumb we teach is that if you can’t swim the length of the body of water you are in or playing around, and you aren’t within an “arms reach” of an adult, you should wear a life jacket. Type III or Type V Life Jackets should be worn even in swimming pools when an adult isn’t providing “arms reach” supervision. “Close and constant supervision” should be maintained during swimming instruction as well while wearing these progressive flotation devices. Flotation devices equal safer swimming, but multiple layers of swim safety practices should be enforced at all times.
The progressive flotation devices we like are made by SwimWays. We especially like the SwimWays Power Swimr. The Sea Squirts Swim Assist, as seen in today’s YouTube video, is also nice but doesn’t have quite as much flotation so shouldn’t be used with a true beginner. Swim Ways also carries a Sea Squirts Type III Coast Guard approved Life Jacket which is an excellent swimming life vest as it doesn’t ride up on the swimmer like most ski jackets do because of it’s design. Konfidence-USA also makes a nice progressive flotation device.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiserthe recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim is the first American to win the award in 10 years.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
When using the video-based Swim Lessons University Instructor Training and Certification program, we also advise that SLU programs incorporate a mentoring program for new swimming instructors. In addition to the invaluable opportunity to train by watching the courses actually being taught, we believe nothing ever can truly take the place of real experience. This is where the mentoring program comes to play.
At the Swim Lessons Company, I require my teachers to shadow either myself and/or several of our senior instructors. I like to have our swim instructor candidates shadow four different experienced Swim Lessons University instructors on four different days for a total of 12 hours. That 12 hours of practicum work, of course, is in addition to their 12 hours of classroom video-based training and online swim instructor testing. This gives the new teacher “hands-on” experience with not only four different instructors teaching from the same lesson plans and curriculum, it also gives them experience working with a variety of children, personalities, levels, and age groups.
Here is an email I send to my Senior SLU Instructors when the mentoring program is about to begin. This way they know what is expected of them as the new teachers participate in their practicums.
Dear Staff,
Please note that I have begun scheduling new teachers at various locations to do their practicums with many of you. If for any reason you have to reschedule a class—please remind me if you are mentoring a teacher that night so we can let them know too.
READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. The following is a set of guidelines for how you should help break in our new teachers. Your influence on developing their teaching skills is an instrumental part of preparing them to represent us well and deliver the superior product that SLC parents in Columbia have come to expect.
Introduce the teacher to your class and tell children that he/she will be helping you today.
The first time you teach any particular level, begin to show them the various supports and manipulating techniques we do and let them try it with your guidance.
Without taking away from your class, comment on the names of the exercise and on the cues we use, BUT for the most part you are demonstrating how we do it AND the teacher-in-training is just “shadowing” you. Don’t overteach them, let them watch and learn and be a little “hands on.”
LASTLY – THIS IS REALLY HELPFUL:
Once the teacher candidate has settled in, so to speak–take turns with them starting the children. You always present the new exercise or activity, give the cues/instructions, give the start signal and give feedback AND THEN let the teacher candidate try it for the second practice trial. REPEAT for each exercise or activity that we do.
* For the Parent & Tot swim classes— you teach the class, however, get teacher candidate involved in the holds, passes, safety skills, etc.
* DO NOT TURN YOUR CLASS INTO TWO PRIVATE LESSONS. YOU TEACH. THEY SHADOW. MANY OF THE TEACHERS IN TRAINING WILL BE DOING THEIR PRACTICUMS before they do their classroom training.
If you have any questions please let me know! Thanks you!
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiserthe recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim. Jim is the first American to win the award in 10 years.
Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!
You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).
