The Pool Primer (course) for parents and toddlers is a fun, engaging and informative way to jump-start a swimming future. Take time to focus on safety while building excitement for swimming.
Let's go to the pool!
Indicators suggest more children are not developing the social, emotional and communication skills they need to have the best start in life prompting policymakers to focus on boosting early years support
When parents, guardians take the wee ones to the swim pool, it is a way for the children to develop in social, emotional and communication skills. Go swimming. Get into a swim lesson program. Give your kids lessons yourself.
- Family members teach our kids to speak and to walk -- and the same can be done for swimming and for staying safe around the water.
Prime areas of learning.
- Communication and language.
- Personal, social and emotional development.
- Physical development.
The pool is a wonderful setting for blending all those areas of learning. Talk about the pool things and why they are there. Explore the social connections with others at the pool and come to build trust in oneself and others. And, of course, get physical with body movements, awareness, actions and reactions.
The development levels of all children are still behind where they were pre pandemic. Across all sectors of society, we need to play catchup and do more.
Sadly, there are increases in language delay among children. This course helps to stretch perceptions and teach new words that can be presented on an iPad in your home and then explored in person in your neighborhood at your facilities.
Research published by charity Speech and Language UK suggested that up to 1.9 million school children struggle to talk and understand words. The survey of families found that half of children with speech and language problems were missing school as a result. The charity points out that left unsupported, such children are up to 11 times more likely to be behind in key subjects at school and twice as likely to be unemployed as young adults.
The Children of the 2020s (COT20s) is aiming to longitudinally measure and track the circumstances and outcomes of babies, and their families, over the first five years of life, to provide data for researchers and policymakers relating to early learning and development, early childhood education and care, and family services. The study’s first survey took place in late 2022 as England was adjusting to post pandemic life. Key findings include that in the first 9.5 months of a child’s life, 41% of children and 57% of parents were infected with Covid-19. At the same age, 20% of children had one serious or longstanding health or developmental condition and 5% had two conditions. Children who experienced a lower frequency and variety of home learning activities at 9.5 months on average understood fewer words.
I. Introduction: Welcome to the Pool!
- Key Message: The pool is a fun place to play and learn, but it's important to follow some rules to stay safe.
II. Pool Rules and Safety
- Walking, Not Running: It's important to walk around the pool area to avoid slips and falls.
- Activity: Practice walking slowly and carefully together.
- No Pushing or Shoving: Teach gentle interactions around the pool.
- Role-play: Act out gentle ways to ask someone to move or share a space.
- Staying with a Grown-Up: Emphasize the importance of always being with a parent or guardian near the water.
- Visual Aid: Show pictures of children holding hands with their adults by the pool.
- No Drinking the Pool Water: Explain why pool water isn't for drinking.
- Simple Explanation: "Pool water has special cleaners in it to keep it clean, but it doesn't taste good and can make your tummy hurt."
III. Getting Ready for the Pool
- Swimsuits and Gear: Appropriate swimwear is functional and sporty. Swim diapers (if needed) might be seen. Towels are everywhere.
- For outdoors, we need to use sunscreen: Explain why it's important to wear sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun.
- Show how to apply sunscreen.
- Babies, not so much.
- Not for the eyes.
- Taking a Shower: Explain the importance of showering before entering the pool.
IV. What to Expect During Swim Lessons
- Meeting the Instructor: Explain that a friendly teacher will help them learn to swim.
- Getting in the Water: Describe how they'll enter the pool (steps, ladder, or being held by the instructor).
- Water Activities: Briefly introduce some basic water activities they might do, like:
- Splashing: Show how to gently splash with hands.
- Blowing Bubbles: Practice blowing bubbles in the air and then in a bowl of water.
- Kicking: Demonstrate kicking with legs.
- Floating: Explain how the water can help them float.
- Submerging: Explain that they might put their face in the water briefly.
- Practice: Practice holding breath and putting faces in a bowl of water at home.
V. Fun at the Pool!
- Positive Reinforcement: Emphasize how much fun they'll have learning to swim and playing in the water.
- Visuals: Show more pictures or videos of kids enjoying pool activities.
Tips for Making the Course Engaging:
- Keep it Short and Simple: Toddlers have short attention spans, so keep each section brief and to the point.
- Use Visuals: Pictures, videos, and demonstrations will help toddlers understand the concepts.
- Make it Interactive: Include activities, role-play, and practice sessions to keep them engaged.
- Use Positive Language: Focus on what they can do and how much fun they'll have.
- Repetition: Repeat key messages throughout the course.
By covering these topics in a fun and engaging way, the Pool Primer course can help toddlers feel prepared and excited for their pool experience and upcoming swim lessons.
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