Gilbert, AZ
We get this question often. It is a difficult question to answer. Each student has their strengths and weaknesses and every child works at their own pace. Here are some things to consider when thinking about your child’s progression to the next level.
Each of our levels have five goals. Your child must master each of the goals for that level before moving to the next level. Those goals are important foundations for the next skills they must master. Skipping a step or allowing a weak swimmer to move up will make the next skill set that much harder. It is important for the student to master each goal, to repeat it confidently, before moving to the next goal. If your child masters some of the five goals, we will continue to progress with those skills, even if they have not moved to the next level.
Be patient. Small children do not always have the strength or coordination to master all of the skills parents want to see. It is important to consider the developmental abilities of your child and how that applies to swimming. The strength, coordination, and endurance of your 3-year old may not allow for him to freestyle across the pool. When your child learned to walk, they were not ready for a marathon. Give them time and they will get there. Remember to reward the small improvements, they are big steps for your little ones.
Fear. Fear is a powerful emotion and can be hard to overcome. With patience and perseverance, your child will move beyond this barrier. Your child will eventually trust themselves and become comfortable with the water. It takes time and continued practice, but they will overcome.
Skills. Some of our parents have told us that their child does great and can do everything at home, but don’t do it in class. Actually, that’s great! That means they are learning what we are teaching, even if they don’t show us. When they are comfortable enough with those skills, they will complete them in class as well. Sometimes, we work and work and it seems like they will never get it. Then one day they come in and out of the blue do it perfectly! Again, patience and practice.
Practice. It may be more difficult during the winter to get to the pool to practice, so be sure you are doing some homework. If your child doesn’t like getting their face wet, be sure to practice that in the bath or shower. They can float on their back in the tub too. Be sure their ears are under water. Do some stretching and reaching exercises at home. Sit on a step and straighten legs and do some kicks (little fast kicks). For older children, build some core strength by doing planks or laying on the floor and doing little flutter kicks. Walk around the house pretending your swimming, get that arm movement down. Lay on the floor and practice your Monkey, Airplane, Soldier movements. As with anything, practice makes perfect.
Communicate. Be sure to talk with your child’s instructor about their progress and ask any questions you may have. As always, voice any concerns you may have with your instructor or the Aquatics Director.
Swimming requires muscle memory, and confidence. Don’t give up and remember, even small progressions are progressions. Your child will move to the next level with practice and patience. Keep on swimming!
To enroll in our premier water safety and swimming program call British Swim School East Valley at (480) 725-9292 to find the right class for you or your child, or enroll online. Classes are available to those located in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Ahwatukee, Tempe, Santan Valley and Queen Creek.
