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.
Classes should be paced slowly, allowing each child to learn and acquire new abilities at his or her own speed. Teachers must demonstrate exceptional patience and enthusiasm to create an encouraging learning environment centered around fun. Babies and toddlers respond particularly well when lessons implement colorful toys, and lively games and songs to stimulate their senses.
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.
At the beginner level, it is recommended that these young swimmers attend classes four times per week for the first month of lessons. Afterwards, bi-weekly instruction is suggested. Short but frequent classes seem to be the most effective for this age group. Busy parents may not always be able to accommodate this schedule, in which case they can always practice with the child at home in the bathtub.
Before signing the child up for any swim classes, parents should talk to other moms and dads and find out which ones they would recommend, then sit in on these lessons to see for oneself if the children seem to be learning and happy there. Simply asking questions over the phone is not enough, observation is the best way to assess if the teacher and approach used measure up.
Classes should be paced slowly, allowing each child to learn and acquire new abilities at his or her own speed. Teachers must demonstrate exceptional patience and enthusiasm to create an encouraging learning environment centered around fun. Babies and toddlers respond particularly well when lessons implement colorful toys, and lively games and songs to stimulate their senses.
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.
At the beginner level, it is recommended that these young swimmers attend classes four times per week for the first month of lessons. Afterwards, bi-weekly instruction is suggested. Short but frequent classes seem to be the most effective for this age group. Busy parents may not always be able to accommodate this schedule, in which case they can always practice with the child at home in the bathtub.
Before signing the child up for any swim classes, parents should talk to other moms and dads and find out which ones they would recommend, then sit in on these lessons to see for oneself if the children seem to be learning and happy there. Simply asking questions over the phone is not enough, observation is the best way to assess if the teacher and approach used measure up.
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To sign up for regular baby swim lessons West Chester PA parents are welcome to use our online page. Find here the registration info and class schedules at http://www.westchesterswimlessons.com.
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