When teaching the tiniest among us to swim, it’s important to keep a progression going.
Picking up where you left off is critical to the young child’s ability to comprehend and connect the actions you work with them to master.
The progression should never be rushed.
Progression strategies also apply to older students, but it is especially important with younger ones so we’re stressing it in this post.
Let’s look at how progression works in “Getting In”.
Getting in the Pool:
Long-term goal: the child jumps in, goes under, and kicks up by herself.
End each pool time by climbing out and getting in. Repeat.
- The repetition gives the child a chance to process new sensations and feelings.
- Repetition also helps to build confidence and provide the opportunity to find the fun in the activity.
Don’t stop after “getting in”. Make it a continuous motion by moving directly to the next activity.
- Pull the child forward while encouraging him to blow bubbles and kick.
- You’re traveling together as you pull him through the water.
Introduce a challenge by starting with the “old” way of getting in. Repeat.
- Present a “new” way of getting in by adding something different to the “old” way.
- Repeat the “new” way three times to allow him to work through their resistance to change.
- Praise his progress as you help him navigate.
- Help him to see when he is ready to move on (but also remain open to the idea that he may not be ready for the challenge)
In using progression, we layer small skills so that they build into accomplishments that help us reach the long-term goal. You can see that in the brief example above.
There is no set timeline for this profession. Some children go take a year to go through their progression. Some take a day. It requires our best judgment and deepest affection to find the right balance between helping a child work through his resistance and progress. Expect and respect resistance but don’t let that prevent you from helping your child push through moments of discomfort and fear. The environment of the water is peculiar. There are things about it that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar. It will not be a place where every child feels equally at home or equally at ease. Give your child the time he needs to make sense of those sensations.
Progression in learning is important because it is the learning methodology for the child’s lifetime for swimming and many other skill-based activities. Swimming builds foundational skills that allow strokes to be mastered and then perfected – all in a series of progressions.
Little Otter Swim School’s team members are passionate about teaching kids to swim and be safe as they enjoy the water. Learn more about what makes Little Otter different.
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