As instructors, we are challenged with many different situations on every occasion we are teaching swimming lessons – such as language barriers, frightened students, behaviour issues and various swimming abilities. Challenges like this could be all in one class.
Think about this:
- How could I teach this class homogeneously?
- What strategies and tools would I implement?
- How will I communicate effectively?
- Where will I position myself so to effectively communicate to all?
I’m sure there are many more questions you could ask yourself or any other instructor who has experience teaching swimming lessons– the possibilities are only limited by your thoughts!
Teaching Swimming Lessons Tips
Be Positive
Don’t get frazzled! I know it can be daunting for experienced and new teachers teaching swimming lessons with a combination like this. Look at it like a challenge, be positive, and keep it simple.
Body Language
The body language we display is a form of non-verbal communication consisting of body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements. As teachers, we send and interpret such signals almost subconsciously. By learning how to read your students and parents body language this will help you to decide how to approach the lesson with confidence.
Verbal Communication
Ask questions! Get to know your parents/students this helps with rapport and building trust. Talk to your colleagues and work together giving each other ideas to help with issues that may arise in our classes.
Different Scenarios
Here are 3 situations you may come across;
Scenario 1:
3-4yrs old class (Parent still in the water)
You have a 3-4 years’ class with 3 students and you’re in week 4 of the term and they are swimming right across the pool.
In week 5, 2 more children book into your class and they only can push and float out to parent a small distance.
Week 8 comes along and you have a new student who never been in the water before.
Strategies To Work With This Class
- Group class according to ability
- Teach the same skill though vary the skill for everyone so it’s achievable
- Stay central, and be hands on to support each student
- Make the lesson enjoyable for all
Beginner Class
Scenario 2:
Beginner class:
You have a beginner Learn to Swim class with 4 students and for the past 6 weeks you’ve gained their trust. Swimmers are happy and can work the circuit, put their eyes in, hold their breath, push and float with eyes in with a board, back float with a board unassisted, but still not quite ready to move up to the next level. You then get a new child in the class that is very scared and crying. What do you do?
Strategies To Work With This Class
- Engage in activity in shallow water where all students can work on their breath control skills, make the activity fun use toys e.g. cups, rings. Communicate, build rapport and trust
- Vary the activity for the new student in the class
- Set achievable goals for all
Working with a Parent
Scenario 3:
Working With a Parent
You have a class (doesn’t matter what age or level). You notice a parent holding onto their child and is very nervous, overwhelmed about starting their swimming lesson. What would you do?
Strategies To Work With This Class
- Communicate, listen, be empathetic to the parents’ concerns
- Build rapport and trust with parent and child
- Set skills that are comfortable for the parent to achieve with their child
- Encourage and praise