A great swim lesson skill for smaller and younger swimmers is called <strong>Monkey Walks</strong>. This activity is a fantastic way to build confidence and teach fundamental body movement skills right at the edge of the pool.
How to Teach Monkey Walks
To teach Monkey Walks in a learn-to-swim class, follow these steps:
Setup: Have the swimmer place both hands on the edge or lip of the pool.Foot Placement: Tell the swimmer to place both feet flat on the wall.The Movement: Using both their hands and feet (like monkeys!), they should slide or "walk" sideways along the wall to a desired destination.
This simple yet effective drill helps swimmers become comfortable moving along the pool's edge while strengthening coordination.
Why Use Monkey Walks in Lessons?
Monkey Walks are versatile and can be used at various points during a lesson. They are especially useful when:
Transitioning to Jumps or Dives: If you are planning to move to the deep end for jumps or dives, this skill allows the swimmer to travel efficiently without needing an instructor to carry them or walk them around the perimeter.Building Confidence: It is an especially good skill to teach to swimmers who are just beginning and may not yet know how to swim independently.
Remember, our goal as instructors is always to keep the child learning the entire time they're in the water with us! This activity helps them get acquainted with how their body moves through the water.
Video Demonstration
Here is a video demonstrating the action:
Doing the Monkey Walk
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