Improving our Learn to Swim

5/5/2008

Instructors Body Language says a lot to children.

When the instructor/coach hops into the pool, joyously and excitedly takes a few strokes and comes up smiling, it speaks volumes.

When the instructor/coach tentatively “toes in” and makes a face that says “the water’s cold and i don’t want to get in” that also speaks volumes.

When the instructor/coach is demonstrating EVERYTHING that the swimmer should be doing, in a “follow me” manner, that is the best possible teaching.

When the instructor/coach is standing with her hands under her armpits and has not gotten her hair wet in the first two minutes she’s in the pool, and says “do this, do that” without explanation, it is not surprising that the child does not learn.

When the instructor/coach displays enthusiasm for what they are doing, that enthusiasm spreads. When there is a lack of enthusiasm, that also spreads.

Students watch their teachers. Students copy their teachers. Students behave like their teachers.

Make sure your body language and what you say with it, is the message you mean to convey.

John Leonard

Thought of the Week Archive

Sandra Anderson
Age: 56
Location: Pacifica, CA
Learn to Swim Program
Name: Anderson's Swim School
How Long Have You Been
A Swim Instructor? 36 years
Why Did You Become A
Swim Instructor? A quote
from my one of more favorite authors... more

Learn to Swim Conference March 2008
Steve Haufler audio files now available