Levels I teach

 

This is just a general level list I created, but I have some children who are 7, 8, and 9 years old who have never put their faces in the pool water. Although there are ages outlined here, I will be sure to start and end with all the skills any child or adult needs to be a successful swimmer.

I have experience with children who have ASD, as well as other disabilities!

​

6-18 Months

1. Water Familiarization: Help the child become comfortable in the water through gentle splashing and play.

2. Instructor-Child Bonding: Use instructor-child interaction to build trust and security in the water.

3. Water Pouring: Gently pour water over the child's head and body to get them used to the sensation.

4. Kick Stimulation: Support the child in a horizontal position and encourage kicking motions.

5. Safety Holds: Practice safe holds and positions, like the hug hold, to ensure the child's safety in the water.

 

18-36 Months

1. Bubble Blowing: Encourage the child to blow bubbles in the water to develop breath control.

2. Submersion Techniques: Gradually introduce submersion by guiding the child underwater for brief moments.

3. Floating with Assistance: Help the child float on their back and front with gentle support.

4. Reach and Pull: Teach basic arm movements by encouraging the child to reach and pull in the water.

5. Interactive Games: Use fun games like retrieving floating toys to build water confidence and enjoyment.

 

3-4 Years Old

1. Independent Kicking: Encourage the child to kick independently while holding onto the pool edge or a kickboard.

2. Face in Water: Practice putting the face in the water and holding breath for short periods.

3. Streamline Position: Introduce the streamline position with arms extended forward while gliding through the water.

4. Back Float: Teach the child to float on their back without assistance.

5. Underwater Exploration: Encourage diving for objects and exploring the underwater environment.

 

4-5 Years Old

1. Front Crawl Arm Movements: Introduce the basic arm movements for the front crawl (freestyle) stroke.

2. Side Breathing: Teach the child to turn their head to the side to breathe while performing the front crawl.

3. Jumping In: Practice safe jumping into the pool from the edge.

4. Flutter Kick: Focus on refining the flutter kick technique with and without a kickboard.

5. Introduction to Backstroke: Teach the basic arm and leg movements for the backstroke.

5-6 Years Old

1. Freestyle Technique: Focus on improving the freestyle stroke with correct body position, arm movements, and breathing.

2. Backstroke Refinement: Refine the backstroke technique, emphasizing smooth and coordinated movements.

3. Treading Water: Teach the child to tread water effectively for safety and endurance.

4. Elementary Backstroke: Introduce the elementary backstroke with simple arm and leg coordination.

5. Underwater Skills: Practice swimming underwater and retrieving objects from the pool bottom.

 

6-7 Years Old

1. Breaststroke Introduction: Teach the basic movements of the breaststroke, including the glide phase.

2. Dolphin Kick: Introduce the dolphin kick as a foundation for the butterfly stroke.

3. Endurance Building: Incorporate longer swim distances to build stamina and endurance.

4. Flip Turns: Teach basic flip turns for freestyle and backstroke to improve efficiency.

5. Safety Drills: Practice water safety drills, such as reaching for the pool edge and climbing out.

 

7+ Years Old

1. Butterfly Stroke Introduction: Teach the basic movements of the butterfly stroke, focusing on the timing and coordination.

2. Stroke Drills: Use specific drills to refine each swim stroke and improve technique.

3. Relay Races: Incorporate relay races to build team spirit and practice swimming under timed conditions.

4. Diving Techniques: Teach safe diving techniques from the pool edge or starting blocks.

5. Water Safety Skills: Emphasize advanced water safety skills, including recognizing and avoiding dangerous water conditions.