Goggles in Swim Lessons
The use of goggles can be very beneficial. Goggles can help
children develop the confidence to submerge, but at some stage learners need to
become comfortable with the feel of water in their eyes. It is important that children not become
"goggle dependent".
Consideration needs to be given to how safe children really
are if they become reliant on their goggles. Falling into water with loose, or
without any goggles often reduces the child to weak or non swimmer status.
We use a gentle and gradual approach for teaching children
to become comfortable with water in their eyes. This includes removing goggles
for part of every
lesson .
We also constantly monitor a learner's emotional state as
well as their ability to perform the task. A clear lens allows the teacher to
watch the eyes and make judgements on things such as level and intensity of
work.
Goggles need to be a good fit to avoid the learner fiddling
with them throughout the lesson. We have loaners at the pool side, but it is best
if your child has their own pair. Test the style and fit by using the "suction
test".
Without
putting the headband on, place the lens against the eye sockets. Using your
thumbs, gently push the front of the lens onto the eye socket.
The goggles are likely to be the
right size and style if suction causes them to stay in place.
RESOURCE: Barb Nolan, who owns and operates Dipadees
Little Aussie Swim School in Queensland Austalia. She has previously
been the Swim Australia Development Manager
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Singing
in Swim Class is Smart
Have you ever wondered why we
sing during our swim lessons? Well,
there's a great reason! Singing does so
much for the young swimmer. Learning to
move arms and legs in a swimming pattern depends on knowing where your arms,
legs, and body really are.
Spatial awareness (knowing
where your head, body and limbs are in space) is still developing in infants
and young children. So, activities coupled with songs, are a great way for
little ones to learn about their body. Not
only that, learning songs and activities helps to develop important life skills
such as:
· Memory...
Recalling the words to use
· Recognition...Seeing
the words in their minds eye
· Sequencing...learning
to put things in order, i.e. which words & actions came first, next, last
· Rhythm...The
beat fast, slow, fast, slow
· Pitch/tone...high,
slow, soft, loud
All
of theses are skills used later in life when children learn subjects such as Math and English. Singing also helps develop speech by developing the muscles
in the face and the tongue.
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