Kids are copiers, especially very young ones. And while this could be irksome or silly when they’re older, it can be a crucial tool in an instructor’s belt for teaching swimming. As a swim instructor, one of the most important aspects of this process is social referencing: the use of social cues to determine how to respond to a situation. Social referencing helps instructors teach students not only how to react in the water but also how to absorb important safety measures.
Keep reading to discover exactly why this practice is critical for anyone teaching young children how to swim:
Safety
As anyone teaching swimming knows, safety is always paramount. For instance, if an instructor shows that they are serious about wearing life jackets or respecting pool rules (even when it’s tempting to cut corners for efficiency’s sake), students will follow suit. Additionally, if a student observes that their peers are not taking safety precautions seriously, they will learn that behavior is not acceptable. If you’re consistent in your own behaviors, your students are much more likely to be consistent in theirs.
Confidence
Social referencing also plays a crucial role in building student confidence. If a student sees their peers doing well, they can be more likely to feel confident in their own ability to learn and improve. Conversely, if they see other students struggling without guidance, it can lead to anxiety and self-doubt. It’s up to you to provide encouragement, context, and positive examples to help them thrive.
What’s more, any time you or the student’s parents react with fear or anxiety, students are much more likely to do the same. In this way, using positive verbal and non-verbal communication can be make-or-break when it comes to expanding the skillset and comfort zone of new swimmers. Remember to make eye content, smile, and exercise a calm demeanor to keep everyone in the same positive mindset as you.
Learning
Swimming instructors probably aren’t strangers to the benefits of visual learning. When it comes to teaching their students new skills or strokes, the “monkey see, monkey do” method is often an effective initial approach. On the other hand, if students observe that their peers are not following proper technique, it can lead to confusion and hinder the learning process. Be aware of this, and plan enough individual instruction to combat it.
Positive behavior
Like any extracurricular activity, swimming can be used to impart broader values that students can carry with them beyond the pool like perseverance and respect. Social referencing is a great way to encourage these behaviors in kids. When they see their peers behaving well and following instructions, they’re more likely to do the same; when you listen and respect their thoughts, they’re more likely to do the same; and when they observe inappropriate behavior or language from their peers (especially when it goes uncorrected), they may mimic that behavior too.
Ultimately, positive modeling is a key part of instruction, regardless of what’s being taught. Because swimming is a complicated skill for your children that is also being fostered in a new environment, it’s even more important to make sure you’re sending positive signals in whatever ways you can.
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