Our approach to swim education is mastery-based and accordingly, our classes are run in a progressive manner. This is why we do not break our classes into set sessions throughout the year with limited "testing" days. Splash students can be awarded their next ribbon level as they are earned and at any time. This gives your child the ability to focus on the joy of learning to swim in a fun, supportive environment, not to mention multiple opportunities to demonstrate progress towards mastery of a skill set each and every class.
This approach to swim instruction also means that once the learning process begins, we keep the momentum moving forward by allowing the class level to evolve with the students. In most cases, this means that your child can stay in their same class at the same day and time as they earn their ribbons. In addition, it has been our experience that when one child earns a new ribbon, the other students in that child's class are thus inspired and more confident about doing the same, which contributes to the overall pace of the class.
So, how do the layers, repetition and fun fit in? Lesson plans for each class are structured much like a language course in that each class warms-up by reviewing a recently mastered skill, then the majority of the class is focused on the skills they need to attain for achieving their next ribbon level. Towards the end of class, we introduce an element of a future skill that they will need to be learned for a more advanced ribbon level, and finally, finish with something fun. Big picture, the overall teaching program is designed for achievement of progressively more challenging swim skills, both physically and with respect to technique.
Unless otherwise specified, our swim classes run for thirty minutes, once per week, and year-round. This consistent practice over time is what we believe maximizes your child's long-term retention of their swimming skills and keeps the progress moving forward. If additional practice is desired to meet a more immediate goal for example, parents are welcome to enroll their students in more than one class per week for an additional tuition fee.