Here is a Great Question that I Received and Would Like to Share:
I have grandkids who are attending swimming lessons once a week. They are aged 8 and 5. I have been taking them and watching for progress, but am unsure what to actually expect. I understand individual differences. They are only attending once a week and I take on board the twice a week suggestion. I’m just not sure whether it is the kids themselves who are not progressing or whether it is the style of teaching or whether they just need more class time.
I’m not sure What to Expect or Whether to Change Swim Schools
My 8 yr old grandson seems to spend considerable downtime waiting for the other kids to have their turn. It is difficult for me as both my kids were very good competitive swimmers who swam squad for years. I don’t want the kids or their parents to be wasting time and money when they could do better elsewhere. Or is it just that they need another class each week? We have a pool at our place and they have so much fun when they come to visit. There is no fear there, which is great!!! Are there some key questions I could ask their teachers or other swim schools if we decide to consider changing schools?
Here is my Response:
There should certainly be maximum practice time in the children’s lessons to help them progress. Sitting and waiting for a turn while the teacher takes students one and a time is not going to help them progress. By 5 and certainly 8 children should have mastered circling the lane so that all children are kept moving and busy. The teacher can then given them individual attention and feedback as they pass them. If the children are having their lesson once a week and following this up with play swim outside of the weekly lesson this should also help them to progress if the second lesson per week option is not affordable.
Visit a Number of Swim Schools and Compare Lessons
I would recommend you visit a number of swim schools and have a look at the lessons so that you can compare them. It may be that you’ll need to travel a little way but I’m sure that if you find the right school this won’t be a problem. It may also confirm that the swim school you’re grandkids are going to is doing a great job and they may just need a little bit more exposure…. Holiday intensive programs help to progress students quickly. In this instance they go everyday and consolidate their skills and build on new ones.
Holiday intensive programs are generally good value for money as well as Swim School sometimes offer discounts on these.
By Laurie Lawrence
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