Toddler Swim Lessons - Repetition Works

I have taught quite a few swim lessons over the years ranging from private lessons, mommy and me classes, and swim team. It’s the only teaching I’ve ever done and I really enjoy it. Seeing kids progress in their stroke and gain confidence is one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever experienced. Helping a student gain a lifelong skill? Yes please! I get as much enjoyment and satisfaction as the student does when they begin to see improvement. The feeling of any minor success propels the swimmer (and the teacher!) to keep working hard. I have taught lessons once a week, two or three times a week, and every day (with a swim team). I have seen the best results with a private lesson two, three, or four times a week.

The First Lesson

When we start at the first lesson, there’s typically tension and caution from the student no matter what their level of swimming. I assess their level and plan out what the best way to teach them will be. We talk about what they hope to learn (or what the parent/guardian would like them to learn) and I (depending on the age) explain how the next few classes are going to be and what they should expect.

The first hour (or 30 minutes) is usually messy, confusing, and kind of discouraging. Depending on the skill level it’s even ended in tears!

KEEPING THE MOMENTUM

I usually recommend the next class within the next day or two. This way, what we learned and practiced doesn’t drift too far away from our minds. As early as the second practice, there’s improvement! A corrected flutter kick, the ability to blow bubbles, even putting their head all the way under the water…all because we used the momentum from the previous practice to propel us into this one.

Timing and repition are keys to quick success. If lessons happen close enough, students remember what they learned, what they were scared of, my coaching, and they’re able to succeed!

Now, there is not always improvement within the first two practices and that is perfectly acceptable. No one is failing as a student or a teacher, it just means that it hasn’t clicked yet. There will be a moment, at some point, where something clicks and the student can finally do what they’ve been trying to do! It’s an ‘aha!’ moment and deserves multiple high fives - and a moment that comes sooner when lessons happen within close proximity.

BIG BREAKS = BRAKED PROGRESS

When a student is only taking lessons once per week, there is typically some regression in what we’ve learned. The kick returns to where it started or the fear of the water has returned; the muscle memory is lost. (Muscle memory also plays a big role in safety and what the swimmer will do when faced with an adverse situation - so it’s important that it’s trained!) The loss in muscle memory has us take 2 steps backward while only taking one step forward. Undoubtedly, the student and I will reach our goals, but process takes a little longer!

SEEING RESULTS

I have seen the most progress in swimmers when they take multiple swim lessons per week. They need the confidence and coaching to continue improving. If lessons are once a week, it is difficult to see large amounts of improvement, also, that’s less exercise for the student! That is why I recommend multiple swim lessons per week!

About the Author: Amanda Wilson
Amanda Wilson has been teaching swim lessons since age 15 at her hometown pool Crestview in New Providence New Jersey. She has taught group and private lessons to ages ranging from infant to adult, even mommy and me classes! She grew up swimming for her summer swim team, which she eventually coached, swam for her high school swim team, and swam varsity for 4 years at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She has a deep love for the sport and has the same birthday as Ryan Locte, #1 rival of Michael Phelps! Available to Teach in San Diego!