So you’ve enrolled your little one in their first swim lesson! As the excitement starts to rise, there are a few things to arrange-- preparing their swim gear, arranging a schedule, and setting expectations. It’s very important to for them to be aware of what to expect during the lessons, such as how their swim teacher will interact and speak with them. Here are some of the ways teachers speak to their students in the water:
Positive reinforcement
Students have a better reaction and overall learning process when desired behaviors are rewarded and reinforced. So whenever they are able to do something, no matter how small, the teacher will reinforce that behavior. Every success— whether it’s getting into the pool, putting their face in the water, or accomplishing a stroke— will feel like a huge success.
Follow through with what they say
While teachers should be seen as friendly, they should also be seen as a reliable authority figure who will do what they say. So if they promise a break after one more lap, that break will happen.
Encourage
Encouragement is a tool regularly used by teachers, especially for fearful children. If a student is hesitant, or even stubborn in refusing to participate, their teacher will opt to encourage them to take on the challenge rather than get angry.
Correct mistakes right away
Mistakes in behavior, technique, or form will be corrected by teachers right away. It may seem a bit firm, but it's actually more beneficial for the student’s overall learning. This way, mistakes do not turn into habits.
Give clear, simple instructions
Teachers will conduct lessons by giving clear, simple instructions to their students. This is important so that students can focus on mastering small tasks that will eventually aid in accomplishing more complex undertakings (such as strokes) in the future.
State expectations of students
Before anything begins, teachers will explain what is expected from their students. This way, the students are mentally prepared for how they are expected to behave, as well as the goals they should be striving to reach.