At the completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Identify different types of equipment that can be used in swim lessons.
Identify different skills to teach using equipment.
Create a new game or song to use as part of swim lessons.
Key Points:
Equipment
Equipment can be useful to swim instructors in teaching different strokes and skills.
Toys can be very useful in teaching skills to the younger children.
Equipment can include kickboards, pull buoys, barbells, fins, and noodles.
Lifejackets are another piece of equipment that the participants should have the opportunity to wear, learn how to use, and experiment with in the water.
There are many more equipment and toy options than just these, and each facility will have its own ideas of what is needed.
Kickboards can be used at all levels but some participants might require assistance. When having swim lesson participants use the board for kicking, make sure that they hold the board straight out in front of them with their faces in the water.
Barbells can be used to practice the front crawl arms and also to later add the rhythmic breathing to the stroke. When starting out with the barbells, most participants will need some assistance, which can be done by just holding the barbell and moving backwards while the child performs that skill.
Pull Buoys are used mainly in the upper levels to work on arm strokes.
Noodles can be used with all levels but are mainly utilized with the younger children. They can be used to work on kicking, arms, or body position. However, it is very important to monitor the body position to make sure the body stays horizontal and not vertical.
Games and Songs
Incorporate games and songs into lessons as a fun way to learn or practice a skill.
Activity
Get out a variety of toys and equipment. Each participant will choose a piece of equipment and show the class how to use it to teach a skill. Do this a few times so everyone gets a chance to use a couple of different types of equipment.
Using Appendix C, read about games and songs. Pick a game/song and teach it to the rest of the class. Try to come up with a new game/song and discuss/teach it to the class.
