Why sing songs when a child is learning to swim?
There are several reasons, which I list below, plus a link to my free downloadable guide
Distraction and Relaxation: Swimming can be an unfamiliar and potentially intimidating activity for children, especially beginners. Singing songs can help distract them from any fears or anxieties associated with being in the water, making them feel more relaxed and at ease.
Breath Control: Many swim songs incorporate rhythmic breathing patterns that align with swimming strokes. Singing can help children develop proper breath control, which is essential for swimming efficiently and safely.
Learning and Fun: Singing songs with swimming-related themes or actions can make learning more enjoyable. It adds an element of playfulness to swimming lessons, making children more likely to engage in the activity and look forward to their classes.
Coordination: Some swim songs involve specific movements or actions, such as kicking legs or moving arms in particular ways. This can help children develop coordination between their body movements and breathing, which is crucial for learning various swimming strokes.
Parent/Instructor Bonding: Singing songs with a child while learning to swim can strengthen the bond between the parent or instructor and the child. It creates a positive and supportive learning environment, enhancing trust and confidence in the water.
Memory Aid: Songs often have repetitive melodies and lyrics, which can serve as memory aids for children learning swim techniques. They can associate specific actions or movements with parts of the song, helping them remember what to do in the water.
Safety Awareness: Some swim songs incorporate safety messages, such as reminding children not to run near the pool or to swim with adult supervision continuously. This reinforces essential water safety rules.
