A love for swimming is something that can be instilled in a child as early as infancy. These first experiences with water must be positive if the child is to continue to enjoy swimming and eventually master it. If interested in baby swim lessons West Chester PA parents need to be aware of these key points that will help them find the best classes.
At this young age, the pace of the classes must be fairly slow, and each child should be permitted to develop swimming skills at his or her own rate of learning. Lessons for children of this age should incorporate lively songs and games and colorful water toys to further enhance the experience. Instructors need to be very patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic to convey the right attitude to their pupils and make them feel at ease.
The group class is a good choice for children of this age, as they can learn from one another and enjoy the social interaction at the same time. This format is often referred to as "parent and tot" classes, and it serves as a good opportunity for moms and dads to socialize as well as their children. Learning swimming skills as a group generates an overall sense of support and unity but also allows for individual progress and development.
Sometimes parents may prefer private instruction where the parent and child work together with the teacher. While this can be an effective way to learn water skills, one must ensure that the child does not feel pressured and above all still has fun. The teaching method used must be leisurely paced and "baby-friendly" and the length of the lesson should be no longer than a half-hour.
The presence of mom or dad, or another adult caregiver goes a long way in reassuring children as they become accustomed to moving about in the water. It adds to their sense of security, and also acts as a valuable opportunity for bonding. This also familiarizes the parents with the child's swimming progress, so they can help him or her practice at home, or anywhere there is a pool.
Making sure that the lessons are offered in a venue that carefully monitors the temperature of the water and air is also important to the comfort of the children. The pool temperature should ideally be between 90 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit, and the surrounding air needs to be warmer than 80 degrees. Body warmth can also be maintained by dressing the child in a baby-sized wetsuit and swim-cap.
In terms of class frequency, at the introductory level, it is recommended that children attend four classes each week for the first month of instruction. Once basic water adjustment and breath control has been grasped, this number can be reduced somewhat to about two classes per week. If such frequent attendance is challenging to the schedules of parents, they can encourage the child to practice their new water skills at home during bath-time.
Parents need to make sure they are choosing the right swim program for their child before enrolling him or her. Talking to other mothers and fathers who are taking their children to lessons and then checking out any classes they recommend in person is the most reassuring way to find out if the program and teacher make the grade.
At this young age, the pace of the classes must be fairly slow, and each child should be permitted to develop swimming skills at his or her own rate of learning. Lessons for children of this age should incorporate lively songs and games and colorful water toys to further enhance the experience. Instructors need to be very patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic to convey the right attitude to their pupils and make them feel at ease.
The group class is a good choice for children of this age, as they can learn from one another and enjoy the social interaction at the same time. This format is often referred to as "parent and tot" classes, and it serves as a good opportunity for moms and dads to socialize as well as their children. Learning swimming skills as a group generates an overall sense of support and unity but also allows for individual progress and development.
Sometimes parents may prefer private instruction where the parent and child work together with the teacher. While this can be an effective way to learn water skills, one must ensure that the child does not feel pressured and above all still has fun. The teaching method used must be leisurely paced and "baby-friendly" and the length of the lesson should be no longer than a half-hour.
The presence of mom or dad, or another adult caregiver goes a long way in reassuring children as they become accustomed to moving about in the water. It adds to their sense of security, and also acts as a valuable opportunity for bonding. This also familiarizes the parents with the child's swimming progress, so they can help him or her practice at home, or anywhere there is a pool.
Making sure that the lessons are offered in a venue that carefully monitors the temperature of the water and air is also important to the comfort of the children. The pool temperature should ideally be between 90 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit, and the surrounding air needs to be warmer than 80 degrees. Body warmth can also be maintained by dressing the child in a baby-sized wetsuit and swim-cap.
In terms of class frequency, at the introductory level, it is recommended that children attend four classes each week for the first month of instruction. Once basic water adjustment and breath control has been grasped, this number can be reduced somewhat to about two classes per week. If such frequent attendance is challenging to the schedules of parents, they can encourage the child to practice their new water skills at home during bath-time.
Parents need to make sure they are choosing the right swim program for their child before enrolling him or her. Talking to other mothers and fathers who are taking their children to lessons and then checking out any classes they recommend in person is the most reassuring way to find out if the program and teacher make the grade.
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