Now that you’re enrolled in your first swim class at Little Otter, what do you do?
There are a few things that you can do – even before your classes begin – to make your first class experience the best it can be.
Know what’s coming.
Families have incredibly busy schedules so squeezing in another activity could make cause you a little stress if you aren’t prepared.
To prepare, you can:
- Look at your class schedule so you’ll know what to plan around and what conflicts you might need to resolve before they create confusion and frustration.
- Put the class schedule on your family calendar so that it is easy to see integrated into all of the family activities.
- Print out the schedule or copy it to your phone – if necessary – so it’s convenient to you.
- Give a copy of the class schedule to the student so that the student sees how often the class meets.
Talk about swimming and swim classes.
Talk to your kids about what they will be learning and how their classes will be. Kids tend to do much better when they know what to expect.
Here are some things to share with them:
- Explain how instructors may conduct class and that they will be learning with a group of other kids so your kids won’t be surprised or disappointed as their first class takes place.
- Talk about what their behavior is expected to be in swim classes and what the consequences of behaving poorly would be.
- Let your kids know where you will be during their swim class and what will take place before and after they get into the pool.
- Ask your kids what they expect from their swim classes. You might be surprised by their answers.
Setting them up for success in this way is one way that you can ensure that they get the most from their classes and that you have a positive experience watching them.
Acclimate your kids to the water.
Prior to their first swim class, you may want to use bath time to prepare them for how it will feel to put their face under the water. They will be gently introduced to this in their first classes but you can also do a little prep with this to reduce their stress when they’re in the pool.
Have your kids:
- Dip just their faces in the water for a few seconds.
- Blow bubbles with their faces in the water.
- Wear their swimsuit in the tub (especially if it’s new).
Help them pack their swim bags.
Perhaps your kid has a new swim bag – but even if they’re using a bag from home – have them help pack what they’re taking for their swim class in their bag.
This helps prepare them by:
- Starting a conversation about what their swim class will be like.
- Giving them confidence that they have everything they need for class.
- Helps to reinforce what you may have already discussed about their class.
- Getting them excited about learning to swim.
It’s great to make items like towels and bathing suits different bright colors so that (you and) your child can easily find them in the bag when you arrive for swim class. Include a brush or comb and any other items that you may need or want in your packing ahead of time.
Don’t worry if you’re missing something. Little Otter’s Pro Shop has all of the necessities for swim lessons (and more) right there for you to pick up – even at the last minute.
Arrive early and sign in.
It’s really difficult to get everyone out the door to be on time sometimes, but this is really important for swim class. You and your kids will be much less stressed if there is plenty of time for arriving, signing in and changing into swim attire if you arrive in time to do this in a relaxed way.
What can help with this?
- Packing swim bags ahead of time.
- Keeping your swim class schedule visible.
- Reminding your child (and yourself) of what time you need to leave for swim class.
Don’t worry if you arrive with time to spare. It will give you a chance to relax and watch the other children in their classes.
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