I have been responding to the comments left on the post-lesson questionnaire form the May session. The previous responses can be found at the bottom of this post.
I hate getting comments that are negative. I'm sure nobody likes it. That being said, if you have a concern, please talk with me about it. I ask you to talk with me. Not shout or whine, or complain. Staying home with my children, I get enough of that!
I am more than happy to address your concerns and try to fix them or explain my reasoning. Really. I love to explain why things are the way they are, or to help resolve a problem. All I ask is that you are calm, cool and collected and at least want to find an answer or solution.
Some parents are concerned with their child's progression in the water. I am right there with them. After 6 classes, how can they not swim well? First off, this is our first year. Which is not to say we are all new at this. I am simply saying that just because there was no major improvement, does not mean that your child is not doing better. I am only pointing out that we do not have 2 or 3 stages of beginner classes, which would be ideal.
I am hoping that we do have enough children next year to support something to that effect. A Beginner I, Beginner II, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, etc. We just do not have the funding or staff for that right now.
I had a parent suggest that a progress report was given to the parents. I agree. It is nice to know how your child is doing. I am hoping that about midway through this next session we can offer a small report on the progression of our students. Just because your son isn't officially ready for the intermediate class, does not mean he isn't much better than when he began two weeks ago.
If you have questions about your child's progression, please talk with me or the teacher. Since I do not get the opportunity to work with all of the children, talking with the teacher is best. Ask me, or the instructor when would be a good time - right then, or maybe before the next lesson. We want to help the children. If we don't get any results, then our time is wasted, as well as yours.
Something else to consider is the fact that these are group lessons. Albeit smaller groups than some offered, groups nonetheless. Your child will not have as much progress as they may from private lessons. Please try to keep expectations realistic.
Also, children can plateau. Your daughter may have made great strides over the past few years, then she kind of stalls in the water this summer. Muscle development, mental development or desire can all play a part in this. A 5yr old may be able to get along fine in the deep end, but may lack the coordination at that age to perform freestyle & backstroke.
1) Same gender instructors
2) Lifeguard attention
3) Lesson time spent out of water
