Swimming Lessons

Vera took swimming lessons for the first time this summer.  It was four days per week for two weeks.  At first, Vera was not excited about going.  She was very unsure of what to expect, and the first days were chilly.  Her little teeth chattered and her entire body shivered, but she didn't complain too much.  After the first few days, she was excited about going and couldn't wait to tell her dad about the activities and skills she worked on each day.

Diving for the ring.

Vera started in a group of younger kids, but was moved to another group by the third day.  I think it took the life guards a few days to determine which groups would be the best fit for the kids.  Her instructors were all really good.  Vera loved diving for the rings in the pool.  It was probably her favorite part.  They also worked on jumping in the pool, beginning freestyle swim skills, kicking, blowing bubbles, floating, going down the slide, and just being comfortable in the water.  Vera really came a long way at the end of the lessons.  She really built her confidence and comfort in the water.  It was fun to watch her progress each day.

Many of the mornings, the older members of the Versailles swim team were practicing at the same time as swimming lessons.  Vera was fascinated by swim team and asked many questions.  "How old do you have to be for swim team?  Why do they wear those hats on their heads?  What are those ropes and flags for?  I need goggles like those kids."  In fact, Vera insisted we stay after swimming lessons and watch swim team for a few minutes.  Although Vince was ready to go home when lessons were over, it was a good for Vera to see examples of how to swim correctly.

By the end of the first week, Vince had enough of swimming lessons.  He did fairly well chilling in his stroller, eating snacks, and watching the action.  But by the 4th day, he knew what was going on and it got harder and harder to entertain him for 45 minutes each morning.

I had a bag of snacks and toys each day.  Some days, he was fussing before the lessons even started.  Not good for his mom...

He fussed mostly because swimming lessons were during his normal nap time.  Most days, he fell asleep on the short car ride home.

Overall, swimming lessons was a positive experience for Vera.  I think we will do another round of lessons next summer and keep practicing the skills in the meantime.