The ABC’s for parents of little swimmers from Bubbles Swim School
Welcome to our newsletter ABC’s, where we are going to share with you all about our Swim School, from A to Z talking about all the factors involved and how you as a parent can help in this Teaching-Learning process of Learn to Swim program.
A is for Aquatic Program
Bubbles Swim School, we are proud to offer state of the art aquatic program dedicated entirely to swim classes and programs for children 4 months and up. We have 2 locations. One in Aventura and another in North Miami. We have Special Programs: Field Trips, Summer Camps, Pool Parties, Home School Programs.
Our Mission: To teach babies, children and adults how to swim, relax and enjoy the water !
Our Values: Enjoyable Experience! Excellent Customer Service Integrity, Compassion and Trust Extraordinary Results Helping others
B is for Bubbles Swim School
Our company started with the Co-Founder, Lorena Kleinmann, she arrived from Argentina to Miami in 2007 and realized the demand for quality swim instruction after teaching swim lessons. She started with one class a week, only Sundays, little by little was getting busy with customers, going to houses and condos, her business grew a lot throughout the Summer. Then, in the summer of 2009, Lorena decided to open a Company Bubbles Swim School and in 2010 she added some instructors teaching with her. Bubbles started growing a lot, but she knows that the only way to be successful will be having a pool where the customers can come to take the classes.
So, with the help of her husband Joseph Saka, Co-Founder of Bubbles Swim School, they opened a pool in Aventura, inside the school Beth Torah, they are running the summer camp together there in 2012 until now 2016. They began to develop their business plan and last year they incorporated another location in North Miami, inside the school Beth Moshe.
Aventura – Inside Beth Torah / 20350 NE 26th. Ave, Miami, FL, 33180
North Miami – Inside Beth Moshe / 2225 NE 121 Street, North Miami, FL, 33181
C is for Confidence
Naturally, parents want to instill a can-do attitude in their kids so that they’ll bravely take on new challenges and, over time, believe in themselves. While each child is a little different, parents can follow some general guidelines to build kids’ confidence. Self-confidence rises out of a sense of competence. In other words, kids develop confidence not because parents tell them they’re great, but because of their achievements, big and small. Sure, it’s good to hear encouraging words from mom and dad. But words of praise mean more when they refer to a child’s specific efforts or new abilities. When kids achieve something, whether it’s brushing their own teeth or riding a bike or start swimming they get a sense of themselves as able and capable, and tap into that high-octane fuel of confidence. Building self-confidence can begin very early. When babies learn to turn the pages of a book or toddlers learn to walk or float in the water, they are getting the idea “I can do it!” With each new skill and milestone, kids can develop increasing confidence. Parents can help by giving kids lots of opportunities to practice and master their skills, letting kids make mistakes and being there to boost their spirits so they keep trying. Respond with interest and excitement when kids show off a new skill, and reward them with praise when they achieve a goal or make a good effort. With plentiful opportunities, good instruction, and lots of patience from parents, kids can master basic skills — like tying their shoes and making the bed. Then, when other important challenges like swimming or floating by their own present themselves, kids can approach them knowing that they have already been successful in other areas.
D is for D.R.E.A.M.
Our school have a “D.R.E.A.M.” to promote students’ well-being and success. “D.R.E.A.M.” stands for: Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude, Motivation.
Dedication
That’s why Bubbles Swim School, parents and tutors are there to keep students on track. However, when a student gets frustrated, disorganized, or faces other common problems, even his or her Coach can get discouraged. Like their students, Coaches have to resist the temptation to give up. The solution is to remember you are part of a great a team—reach out to teachers for support, contact other parents for their ideas and tips.
Responsibility
Students, Coaches, and Parents all need dedication to handle their responsibilities. Although a student is ultimately responsible for his or her effort to improve, the Coach and teacher are responsible for guiding and supporting the student throughout the whole process. Great communication within this team is essential to establishing and following a personalized learning plan.
Education
Our school is crucial in developing a child’s character as well as his or her mind, so think about your child’s unique needs and goals. Each student follows a personalized plan, allowing him or her to learn at exactly the right pace. No matter what type of education your child needs, make sure you chose a school that helps your child grow as an individual.
Attitude
Offering encouragement within a structured routine can help your child maintain a positive attitude. By recognizing success daily, establishing and following goals, and avoiding “don’ts” and complaints, you can create a positive learning environment for your student. Remember to keep your own attitude positive. Your actions and emotions have a huge impact on your child, and when your behavior is positive, he or she will mirror it. As a positive adult role model, just remember that you can be a good influence every day.
Motivation
To keep your child motivated on a daily basis, make sure you’re aware of the 5 elements of student motivation, which are autonomy, collaborative learning, organization and structure and clear expectations.
E is for Experienced swimmers
Experienced Swimmers
Just because a child has completed swimming lessons and appears to be a good swimmer does not mean they should have complete freedom in the water. “Even after swimming lessons have been repeated and the youth is a competent swimmer, adult supervision is always recommended,” Greenberg says. Kids who have experience in the water should still respect the rules wherever they may be swimming. If it is at a public pool, they should abide by and listen to the rules of the pool and the lifeguard on duty. If at a beach, they should stay within the boundaries set up for open swimming, and should also stay within view of the lifeguard on duty in case trouble does arise.
Teaching Water Safety at Home
Just getting your kids swimming lessons is not enough to ensure their complete safety when in the water. It is important that parents reiterate the important facts; that kids should never swim without adult supervision, should never swim alone, and should never Be in water that is beyond their swimming capability. Water safety is something that can be hard to teach a child, but is necessary from an early age. By getting them started in swimming lessons at a young age, and stressing the importance of staying safe in the water, you will be able to relax and enjoy the summer with the confidence that they’re safe.
F is for Fear
Many small children are frightened by the idea of swimming — or more specifically, sinking. If you’re looking for ways to help your child become more comfortable in a pool or lake, consider these six tips from Circle of Moms members who’ve tackled their own childrens’ fears of the water.
1. Small Steps and Positive Rewards
The consensus among Circle of Moms members is that overcoming a fear of water is often a very gradual process. Jennifer P. recommends encouraging and rewarding even very small steps. “First start with sitting with his feet in the water. When he does it, even for a few seconds, make a huge deal and give positive reinforcement. When he is comfortable with just his feet in, ask him to go a little further. As soon as he does, give lots of positive reinforcement…Once he is comfortable just being in the water, then you can work on teaching him to swim. It may take some time, but he’ll begin to associate the positives with swimming.”
2. Floating Products
Water wings, kick boards, inner tubes, life jackets…there are numerous floating products that may make your child feel more comfortable in the water. You can even offer yourself as a stable safety object. Anita M., who herself was “terrified of swimming…feared the deep and also drowning,” shares this advice from personal experience: “It might help if you are in the water with him or put floaties on him so he can feel secure.”
3. Wet Faces
Many children specifically dislike getting their faces wet. Tactics to try in this scenario include well-fitting goggles or face masks, or even encouraging them to blow bubbles in a bowl or sink in the bathroom. As Stevie W. advises, the point is “just getting him used to water going over his head.”
4. Water Play
Younger children sometimes become more comfortable in large bodies of water only after they’re first convinced that water is safe (and fun) in other situations. Louise G. recommends: “Boost his confidence with water by playing with water pistols or squirters and…bubbles and things like this to assure him he has nothing to fear. Even get in the bath with him to play…[or] buy a paddling pool and put his toys in there…and let him help you wash them.”
5. Peer Pressure
If your child sees other kids in the pool having fun, she might be tempted to join in. As Heather H. shares of her 6-year-old: “All it took was wanting to be in the pool [with] friends.”
6. Swimming Lessons
Call in the pros! Swimming lessons are sometimes the best tool for helping a child overcome a fear of water. As Ame B. raves: “SWIMMING LESSONS!!! It may take a while for him to feel comfortable but don’t give up and take him out. My son struggled for over a year in swim classes twice a week, but now after 2 years he is confident and comfortable in the water.”
G is for Goals
We at Bubbles Swim School are a team of professionals dedicated to teaching swimming to babies as young as six months old, as well as toddlers, children and adults. Our goal is that they learn how to swim in ten lessons having fun. We have 26 years of teaching experience; and 8 years in Miami, we have competed as swimmers and we have taught more than 3000 students in the last 4 years in Miami how to swim. We feel that learning this discipline is essential in Florida. Our mission is to ensure that as many children and adults as possible be safe in and around the water. We are licensed by the American Red Cross and fully insured. We have the ability where we can run the aquatic program at your Summer camp with your children, like we do in Beth Torah (the fifth consecutive year), and Beth Moshe (the second year) in the summertime. Our swim school will provide instructors, as well as equipment for summer program, giving certificates to each child with the level they will accomplish. We teach them safety skills, technique, and stroke development, and we do games and shows.
H is for Having Fun
A pool party is a great way to spend time with friends and family on your child’s Birthday and having fun all together. Parties last approximately 2 hours. All ages are welcome. Our two party leaders/lifeguards will coordinate the party and help with set up and clean up. We’ll guide your guests through games, races and wet water fun or simply lifeguard and maintain control as the group discovers the fun of swimming! They will guide the children through pool games and races or simply lifeguard and maintain control as the group enjoys free swim and floating fun.
I is for Important
Safety in the most important topic for Bubbles Swim School
When the weather becomes warm, everyone wants to be in and around the water. Hanging out at the beach or swimming pool on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Between having fun and checking out the different sights, most people don’t think much about water safety — but they should. Learning how to swim is essential if you plan on being safe in and around water.
Swimming Smart
“Buddy up!” Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you’re swimming in a backyard pool or at the beach. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.
Know your limits
Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long as possible. If you’re not a good swimmer or you’re just learning to swim, don’t go in water that’s so deep you can’t touch the bottom of the floor, and don’t try to keep up with skilled swimmers. Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other changing conditions in the open water. The good news is there are many ways to keep your kids safe in the water and make sure that they take the right precautions when they’re on their own.
Keeping Kids Safe
Kids Need constant supervision in and around the water — whether the water is in a bathtub, a wading pool, a swimming pool, a spa, the beach, or a lake. Always watch children closely when they’re in or near any water. If you don’t already, it’s a good idea to learn how to swim, and find your nearest swim school or recreation center who can provide swimming lessons for children of all ages. All kids need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skill levels are. And infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm’s reach to provide “touch supervision.” Don’t forget the sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially if the kids are getting wet. UV sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing can also help provide sun protection.
