The Distracted Swimmer: Tips for Success
Every child is unique and moves through various developmental stages as they grow. Their behavior may shift as their personalities develop and they are exposed to new and exciting opportunities. One behavior that is always in flux is their ability to pay attention.
Some little ones can sit calmly while listening to their teacher, while others feel the need to explore their environment. Both behaviors are expected, typical, and manageable in the right learning environment, such as Steve Wallen Swim School.
Avoid sudden changes and surprises…
Many children take changing situations, environments, and people in stride. They move easily from the car to the changeroom and into the pool. Others may find all that change overwhelming. As a result, they may resist the swim class setting by leaving the group, not listening, doing their own activity, or showing strong emotions such as tantrums or crying.
Your choice of swim school matters…
Some learn-to-swim environments take place in public pools with lessons, lap swimming, recreation, and diving all happening at once. This can be too much stimulation for a child to stay focused, especially if they have sensory needs.
At Steve Wallen Swim School, we teach swim lessons to students of all ages and skill levels… and that is all we do in our pool. Our classes are small, and we primarily offer
private and
semi-private lessons. Experience has shown us that these environments are optimal for learning to swim.
For kids with sensory issues, a constantly changing environment full of new sensations like hot, cold, dry, wet, and noise can be overwhelming. Time and patience win here. Introducing them to the swimming environment in small increments helps them succeed.
Visit either swim school location in El Dorado Hills or Roseville, tour our facilities, and meet our staff. Start with a private lesson to give your little one a supportive first experience, then register for ongoing private or semi-private lessons and watch them flourish.
Small steps lead to tremendous success…
To help kids prepare for their lessons, try using a bright and engaging calendar at home. Excited swimmers will love counting down, and reluctant swimmers get time to mentally prepare… no surprises needed. Most children thrive with routines and reminders about when activities happen and how long they last.
Have your child organize their swim bag. Gathering swimwear, snacks, a water bottle, and goggles helps them mentally prepare and brings back positive memories of learning at Steve Wallen Swim School.
Your home pool is perfect too…
The bathtub is a great place to start for reluctant swimmers. It allows safe water entry and exit practice and gives children control over their experience. Since a tub is like a tiny swimming pool, fear and sensory overload are easier to manage.
Use the bathtub to introduce getting fully wet, water on the face, over the head, and even submerging. Kids can also practice front and back floats and basic kicks. These skills transfer easily to the big pool. No surprises needed… join us at Steve Wallen today!
