This website I found particularly helpful. Though it is for a classroom setting I think many of its ideas are applicable to swimming lessons. It gives not only ideas about classroom rules, consequences, and rewards, but also more subtle strategies that are really helpful as well.
I maintain control by telling the swimmers on the first day the class rules...one of which is to keep one hand on the wall and their eyes and ears above water while its not their turn. It also helps to tell them to watch the other swimmers while its not their turn and they are waiting on the wall.
ReplyDeleteCamille: I always set the three rules at the beginning of the session. If they continually break them, I sit them on the wall. They are usually pretty good at following directions though.
ReplyDeleteElissa: Set and enforce rules, also with upper levels have them practice skills at the wall while they wait for their turn.
ReplyDeleteLauren: I give them a warning, a "last warning", and then I tell them to sit on the side. I kind of feel bad doing it, but afterwards they are a lot more behaved.
ReplyDeleteMadison: Have your kids repeat the rules back to you!
ReplyDeleteJamie: Reward good behavior. If there is one kid sitting quietly on the wall while the others are goofing off, then, instead of yelling at the others, reward the quiet kid by letting him do the skill first or something. Let them know why he got to go first.
ReplyDeleteWhen we brainstormed ideas and talked about what worked and didn't work in a quick meeting our teachers came up with some really good ideas.
ReplyDeleteWith kids who are constantly swimming away, try having them all hold hands when you're moving from one area of the pool to another. Also give them "something to do" like standing on the "fishy" (the vents on the bottom of the pool) while they are waiting for their turn to practice the skill.
Camber: Good use of your aid! For some of the more crazy Pre-Schoo 1 classes have the aid play a game using the skill you're working on while you take each child out individually and work on the skill.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: Try to mix things up and not do the same skills in the same order everytime.
ReplyDeleteCrystal: Find a skill that each kid is the best at and have them be your example and lead it -- that way the kid is motivated each time and the others see them get praise and be successful and it motivates them -- this especially helps with diving and treading!!
ReplyDeleteBrylee: Following through, if you tell the kids they can't play a game - don't play the game, if you tell the kids they get to do an activity -- you better make time for the activity. Be a dependable teacher, kids are happier.
ReplyDeleteAly: If you tell them you can play a game or do something later on, be sure to make time for it. Use your aide. If there's a child that's a bit more difficult, allow the aide to try working with them so that the teacher can focus on the other students and continue working on other skills. Keep things positive as well.
ReplyDeleteLacey: If I'm with one kid, I have the rest hold onto the wall and practice a skill. Or if they're having trouble I have them watch another kid who can do it. (That way they are staying busy even when it isn't their turn to do the skill)
ReplyDeleteGray: If you have two kids that talk all the time just have them always swimming or doing bobs and taht will keep them busy and have to time to talk.
ReplyDeleteWade: For older kids in upper levels (like 4, 5, and 6) to encourage the kids to start using their strokes they've learned, I have the kids playfully boo the kids if they doggy paddle and cheer for them when they swim correctly using their strokes. It is ALWAYS done in a funny way, never demeaning. That way I don't have to "strong arm" them into doing what they should. The kids love it and it seems to work.
ReplyDeleteWade: For older kids in upper levels (like 4, 5, and 6) if they doggie paddle instead of using the strokes they have learned I have the kids playfully boo them. But when they swim the strokes they are taught I have the kids cheer them on. It is ALWAYS done in a funny way, never demeaning. That way I don't have to 'strong arm' them into doing what they have learned. The kids love it and it always seems to work.
ReplyDeleteJustin: If they aren't paying attention my voice gets deeper and they start to come around and listen.
ReplyDeleteJessyka: I've found that teachers who listen to their kids when they want to talk or when they want to show them something helps the kids to get out their energy a bit so that they will focus throughout the rest of the lesson.
ReplyDeleteWhen i want to practice a skill but the kids just won't hold on to the wall till their turn, i take them away from the wall where it's a bit deeper and i have the kids (who aren't having a turn) stand on the fishy (they like how it tickles their toes) till it's their turn. it gives them something to think about other than just holding on to the wall. It also keeps them from wandering away where they can't touch as well.
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