Today was Daniel's first swimming lesson. James and I have decided to give him 6 months of swimming lessons so he can become more comfortable in water and learn the basics. After 6 months we will see what we do, but I am looking forward to the next 6 months!
This morning we headed to Aquabliss at Thornleigh all dressed in our swimming costumes. We arrived early - I have now learnt that that is not needed. On time is fine so that will be the plan next time. The normal teacher was away so we had a replacement, she was lovely. There was one other baby in the group - he was 18months old and had clearly done lots of lessons before - lots of head under the water. I told the teacher that this was Daniel's first lesson so we had no idea of what to do. She was then very clear with each instruction which was great!
We started with a song of the Wheels on the Bus. Then we started doing some paddling and kicking practice. Daniel didn't really know what to do so she helped me learn some ways to show him how to teach him paddle and kick and to repeat the words lots so he would recognise them. He did some little paddling with his arms and over a few minutes he loosened his legs so you could move them to kick. We grabbed balls and chased a fish. The teacher even got a couple of little smiles. We then did learning how to get out of the water - elbows, tummy then knees. Daniel was pretty good at that, with assistance. We then did Humpty Dumpty and practiced jumping into the water, turning around, paddling and kicking back to the edge and then getting out of the water. After that we did some floating and kicking on our backs. Daniel was very comfortable lying with his head on my shoulder. His teacher was impressed. We then tried doing some bubble blowing - no chance! She said that it wasn't a surprise, it will come with time but it is something that we can practice in the bath at home. Also to blow on his hand or face to show him what you are doing. We then finished with a song of 'if you're happy and you know it'.
It was scary going to a new place, with new people but it was great! The teacher was very impressed that he had no tears at all. She was very pleased with his progress. Only problem was it was very cold after the lesson. Daniel was shivering a lot! So we quickly came home to have a shower and a bath. I hope the proper teacher is as lovely!
No comments:
Post a Comment