SIP 071: Activity, Activity, Challenge
Get ready to experience the next supplemental guide for better swim lessons!
Refining the Swim Lesson Format
We've been continually refining our general swim lesson format. We are always working on improvements, and we've taken an old favorite concept and given it a modern update.
The Evolution of Our Lesson Structure
For a long time, we incorporated the classic "learn something, learn something, play a game" format. You can see examples of these structured ideas in our <a href="https://www.swimminglessonsideas.com/shop/" title="lesson plans">lesson plans</a> available on the website.
Over the last couple of weeks, I distributed the first version of our General Lesson Plan Guide for both Level 2 and Level 3. This guide is designed to provide a solid framework for all instructors.
Why This New Guide Matters
I've spent the last year writing these lesson plans out on whiteboards, specifically for our veteran staff. These are experienced coaches who might not want to think too hard during lessons and are more comfortable following a clear structure. While they know how to teach the skills and give feedback, they might lack the confidence or consistent experience needed to quickly develop a solid progression of skills that guarantees the best results.
These new lesson guides accomplish exactly that: they provide a reliable, expert-designed roadmap for every class.
Example: Level 3 General Guide
Understanding the Components
The guide is broken down into several key sections, each serving a specific purpose for the instructor:
- Activities (The Core): This section represents the "meat and potatoes." It contains a range of activities drawn from the most important skills and should serve as the foundational building blocks for lesson iteration.
- Challenges: These are level-specific but serve as a general guide for lessons. You can read off the script, or make small changes to create your own personal challenges tailored to your group and pool setup.
- Level Criteria (The Goal): Located at the bottom, this provides quick reference points. When in doubt, these criteria remind the teacher what the students should be working towards.
- Specific Language (The Coaching Words): In the middle section are specific phrases the instructor should use for that level. Note that this isn't just a script for glides or backfloat; it involves careful, precise words used to achieve the best results quickly. For example, "Start immediately in SL" means the child shouldn't push off the wall at an angle (like a wild person head first) but should maintain a streamline with no gap between the wall and the water.
- Instructor Tips (The Gentle Reminder): These aim at general reminders for teachers of that level. Think of this as having a manager giving gentle, supportive advice—a whisper in the ear—to keep the lesson running smoothly.