Swimming with Bernadette swim lesson program takes a different approach to lesson instruction, balancing a combination of hard work, trust, and skill development, along with taking time to appreciate and enjoy the feeling of being in the water.
The skill development is a clear progression, directly related to stroke techniques of competitive swimmers. My lesson program combines on encouragement towards independent skill performance, interactive participation from each swimmer, goal setting and achievement-based learning progressions, along with learning to be safe in and around the water.
Teaching Progressions
Swimmers are taught single skills and are expected to develop a mastery of each skill prior to moving on to the next step in the progression (i.e. kicks should not be introduced in front or back position until swimmers are floating on his or her own). All four competitive strokes have a logical progression from pushing off, to floating then gliding and kicking, and finally adding strokes and breathing.
I will continually evaluate the skill level of a swimmer and provide clear, constructive, specific feedback to help them improve.
Swimmers will be involved in setting goals for themselves and I will help them to achieve these goals. Swimmers have an opportunity to earn embroidered stars when they make significant progress and or achieve the goals they have set.
Swim lessons are geared toward generating confident, independent swimmers from an early age. I use minimal equipment in early levels to train swimmers to perform skills on their own. Most pieces of equipment are merely things to hold on to that provide little flotation, while the child gains confidence in his or her abilities in the water.
Rings, and pool toys are used to aide in establishing comfort in the water. Rings can be used in higher levels for underwater swimming treasure hunts, etc.
Full and half noodles are used to assist with side kick body position and the early components of switches.
Kickboards are used to build endurance when kicking and as an introduction to back floating, elementary backstroke kick and breaststroke kick.
Because learning new skills can be tough and challenging, students who listen and work hard doing lessons are offered a small treat at the end of each lesson. (This is usually a tootsie roll or a starburst). Please let me know if you are not comfortable with this and I will substitute the treat with a sticker.
Other awards/ rewards
Students can earn embroidered stars for various skills learned and/ or goals achieved. Goals for stars will be discussed and set together during lessons.