First Lesson With Newer Swimmer

Hello Fellow Swimmers!

In the last week, I have worked with 3 students 3 years old or younger. It has been a blast working with these little swimmers! 

It took a while to win their trust, as we had not met before our first lesson. Since we hadn't met yet, the little swimmer might still have a hard time. They have little say in having the lesson, and that is a hard thing for them to deal with sometimes!

In order for them to feel comfortable with me, I love giving them a soft toy or ball to throw. When they are upset, it is often one of the few things they want to do (throw things or hit someone)! 

Instead of getting in trouble for throwing something, I tell them "Good job” or “Nice throw"! This has had great results in getting younger swimmers to feel like they have some control over their lesson. 

From here, we give our swimmers options - “Do you want to kick on your tummy, or kick on your back?” The options are always something we want them to do, and they have control over what they do first!