When teaching swim lessons, how do I get people to trust me?

Question

I'm a 17 year old guy, so I can't do those high voices that girls can do. I can't seem to get beginners to even let me hold them without crying. I've been teaching a while and I don't think anyone even likes me teaching them. I'm not mean and I don't force people to do stuff.

I'm also pretty shy, so I'm afraid to do anything crazy b/c all the kids' parents watch and I don't want them getting mad at me b/c they're already crazy.

I'm a good swimmer but just suck at teaching. How do I get better?

Answer 1

Props, move quickly, speak loudly, sing songs, use simple direction, never lie, pick a demonstrator who isn't afraid, and smile.

Get your equipment beforehand kickboard, barbell, noodle.  This always works.  Sit the kids on the side get in and ask them to kick and splash you.  Kids like this.  When they are done prop yourself on the wall and show them how to kick pointing toes, from the hip like a soldier.  Go down the row making sure each isn't bending the knees.  Tell them now we are going to do it on the kickboard.  Show them the board floats.  Turn the board sideways so it isn't too long.  Make sure they don't climb on top of it.  Hold their hands on to the board and pull them off the wall holding the board.

Work on blowing bubbles.  If they won't put their face in ask them to get their chin, mouth, then ears wet.  If they don't do that bring a handful of water to the mouth and see if they will blow, if not then have them blow the hair.  

Jumping stand on the 2nd line and don't move back.  If they won't then hold the hand.  At first don't let them go under.  Work up to going under to only getting them when they come up for air to coming up for their own air and going to the side  

Teach sit dive.  Have them hold a waterball under the chin, show them how to do streamline, tell them no supermans.  I have them squeeze behind the ears and interlace the hands on top of one another.  

Back float squat in water act like you are putting them in a headlock but have one palm flat on the forehead and their head on the shoulder.  Sing twinkle twinkle little star in their ear.  Tell them to put their hands on their belly and stick the belly out like santa claus.  When they can have a small kick and are comfortable pull them off your shoulder and only supporting the head have them in front of you and tell them to look at you.  Warn them that water will go in the ears.  

When they can do this backglide  Put them on the wall like they are ready to do a backstroke start.  Tell them to tip the head back to look at you, let go and gently stretch out no kick.  

Once sit dive is done have them swim to you and have them keep the face in for 4 pulls then get your air.  Help them get the air.  Remind them big arms high to the sky.  High elbow recovery comes in later.

Practice rolling back to front front to back

Move through each technique with each kid each lesson.  Modify for kids that can't or won't do

Answer 2

be generally and genuinely excited to be there and excited about swimming.  also dont ask tell.  instead of saying o do you want to try a front float?  say ok not we're going to do a front float.  its not you but if they are scared in the first place of course they are going to say no.  also just keep telling them that you are there and try to hold them in a was that makes them feel secure.    but i agree with you it is a little harder for guys because as girls we can giggle and laugh and it does seem a little easier.   lol but you'll get the hang of it

Answer 3

First you need to build on your confidence. Children can pick up when you are nervous or not confident in yourself. Here are a few tips:

Get to the kids level: When you are talking to the kids on land, kneel down to their level, its not as scare for them that way. When you are in the water, position yourself so you are eye level with them.

Crying Children: Give them a toy or something to distract them. Don't waste the whole lesson trying to get them to do something. If they refuse, let them cry and move on to the next child who will do something. Don't completely ignore the crying kid, but don't waste all your time on them.

Play games: Children learn through play. I always start my classes off with red light/green light (Kick on the wall for green, blow bubbles for yellow, stop for red). Kids like consistency.

Don't be afraid to try something new: I feel like I'm doing a 'performance' for every class. You need to be engaged in what you are doing.

Lesson Plans: Don't wing it. Have a set plan as to what you are doing in every class and for the entire session. This will add to your confidence if you know what you are going to do for each class.

Get training: Take a WSI (red cross) or equivalent course. If thats not available, ask to shadow one of the experienced instructors to get ideas. I've been teaching for 7 years and am still learning new things.

Try other classes: Beginners may not be where your teaching talent is. There is nothing wrong with that. Ask to teach the more advanced class, they may be a better fit for you.