At Manta Swim School, we are all about having fun while learning to swim. Silliness is the universal unspoken language that all babies, toddlers and kids understand. Research has proven that there is a strong link between kids’ ability to learn and the amount fun experienced at the same time. So, what can we do to ensure kids are having fun whilst learning to swim?
Getting creative and demonstrating how to achieve a skill through fun and relatable similes (words and phrases that compare two things) is just one approach to learning.
You might’ve heard us teachers saying ‘float like a pancake’ or ‘starfish’, ‘hold the edge like a monkey’ or ‘rockets as fast as superman!’ – these are just some examples of similes that kids understand.
There are 101 ways to explain to children how to do something, and with swimming, it’s all about speaking in their language!
Toys
Whether your child is just starting out or working on technique, toys are always a great way to get children learning specific skills. They are a fantastic learning aid (and sometimes a good distraction).
For example, independent swimming (without aids), increasing the distance, can be done with a hoop, then gradually get them to go further. The more involved kids are with the toy, the less likely they are to realise that they are trying something that wouldn’t been daunting.
Games facilitate a variety of ways to safely and happily explore the water while learning to swim. There are lots of ways we can incorporate games into lessons whilst gaining key skills and progressing to the next stage.
Jumping in, then floating or swimming to the wall and climbing out. These are great safety skills that can be turned into a game or singing songs whilst doing it.
Using humour
Bringing out your inner child is key when engaging with children and getting them excited to learn. Whether it’s an elaborate impression of a frog or simply making a funny face while blowing bubbles, using humour is a great way to make the lessons more enjoyable and grow confidence in the water.
Relatable learning
Children follow a similar learning pattern to the ones they know outside the water. That’s why we ensure our program resembles all the best land-based learning for relevant age groups and contains elements that best suits early education – fun, games, toys and laughter.
Conclusion: learning to swim is fun!
Having a fun-led approach to teaching swimming creates an environment where children become confident and will progress faster. This will also lead to them being better prepared for emergency situations and more likely to encourage a healthy hobby later in life.