Teaching Swimming Fundamentals Book (Copyright 1999, 208 pages)
This exciting new manual gives you the basics for teaching student-centered, character development-oriented aquatics classes at any age level. As the initial course text for all YMCA swimming instructors, it covers how as well as what to teach. Teaching Swimming Fundamentals outlines your responsibilities as a swim instructor and provides the basic knowledge you need to teach aquatics. First, Teaching Swimming Fundamentals helps you understand the different ways that children learn. Then it gives you step-by-step instructions to help you put this knowledge to use. You'll learn the following: What the Laban movement framework is, and how to use it as a starting point for developing skill themes Question sequences that you can use to guide students in their learning Techniques for observing students and giving clear feedback Suggestions for creating a comfortable class environment where students feel free to explore The text also discusses ways to keep classes safe and on track. Plus, it explores ways you can adapt the class if you're working with adults, persons with disabilities, mixed ages groups, or other different populations. Next, Teaching Swimming Fundamentals shows you what to teach. You'll find detailed analyses, clear illustrations, and stroke observation sheets for six basic strokes: Front crawl Back crawl Breaststroke Butterfly stroke Sidestroke Elementary backstroke Teaching Swimming Fundamentals helps you understand the normal progression of movement for children in learning strokes as they grow up. It also explains 11 basic physics principles that apply to stroke development, and gives you sample lessons that explain these principles to students. In addition, the manual's appendixes present 84 aquatics skill games, plus medical advisory statements, values worksheets, a child abuse prevention checklist, health precautions for swim instructors, and observation checksheets. Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Structure of the YMCA Swim Lessons Program YMCA Program Objectives YMCA Swim Lessons Program Objectives The Fundamentals of Teaching Swimming Fundamentals Credits Chapter 1. Your Role as a YMCA Swim Instructor Starting Classes Out Right Meeting Your Responsibilities as an Instructor Teaching Water Skills Teaching Character Development Preventing Child Abuse Chapter 2. Child Development and Skill Teaching The Developmental Perspective How Children Learn Stages of Learning Characteristics of Childre