SKILLS, THRILLS AND LESSON PLAN LINKS FOR THE WEEK
Click on Any of the Links Below to Access the Lesson Plan
Transitional; I’m in Class by Myself!
Prep and Level 1; I Can Float on my Back!
Level 2; I Can Glide on my Belly and Kick, Kick, Kick!
Level 3; I Can Swim Elementary Backstroke!
Swim Team Prep; I’m Fantastic at Freestyle!
GOGGLE FREE!
Slides: None
Canoes: None
SKILL TESTING
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This is the second week of SKILL TESTING for the Fall Session. When looking for student to “pass the test” your deck Supervisor will be taking a quick evaluation in each class and marking successful students as “tested” in the Staff Portal. In order for students to successfully test their skills in Transitional, Prep, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 students MUST be GOGGLE FREE! Please encourage goggle free swimming as much and as often as possible!
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As a reminder, Deck Supervisors will be testing skills throughout the first half of this session and if the student has “achieved” the skill, they will be marked as “tested.” They will be tested again throughout the second half of the session and if the student can successfully demonstrate the skill again, they will be marked as attained and will receive the ribbon for satisfactory completion. Ribbons will only be issued during the second half of the session when the skill is attained.
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As always, keep your eyes on your students during this process. The safety of your students is more important than discussing skills!
KEEP YOUR STUDENTS SAFE!
Keep your head on a swivel and DO NOT TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR STUDENTS FOR ANY REASON AND IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE PLEASE BLOW YOUR WHISTLE! Position yourself within arms reach of non swimmers! Stay outside of the box or with your back to the ropes!
UPDATED WHISTLE CODES!
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One short blast from the Deck Supervisor
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Addresses Directional Teaching using Whistle Protocol
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Two short blasts from an Instructor
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Get the attention of the Deck Supervisor/Water Watcher
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One long blast from the Deck Supervisor
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EAP Activation – In the event the Deck Supervisor is unavailable and it is a life threatening emergency, this whistle may be blown by the instructor.
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CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL PROCESS
Field Day is Sunday, October 15th from 1 – 4 pm. Natick, Winchester and Planet Gymnastics staff will gather in Natick and family members are welcome to attend!
FACILITY CLOSURE
NATICK ONLY – October 15th -All classes after 1 pm are cancelled for Field DAY (DECK SUPERVISORS – PLEASE MENTION THIS IN THE NATICK LOBBY FOR SUNDAY FAMILIES)
VALUABLE RESOURCES
DOOR GREETING (to be used each time a class is called in).
As we welcome our students today, please make sure that your students are lined up on the appropriate dolphins. In addition, all swimmers under 4 years old MUST have the proper protective layers on to enter the pool. They need to have on either: A single layer Splashabout swim product OR a double layer of any other swim diapering produce one of the layers MUST be non-disposable. Splash About products are available for purchase at the office.
LOBBY ANNOUNCEMENT
Hello and Welcome to Week 3 of our Fall Session!
My name is ____________ and I will be your deck supervisor.
This week we will be working on a variety of skills as well as practicing our first week of GOGGLE FREE swimming. Often children become too dependent on wearing goggles and if they were to fall into the water unexpectedly and without goggles, they may become disoriented. We are hoping that by practicing this skill every other week, our student’s will learn to stay calm and be able to return to safety. This is recommended but not required.
In SwimStars Transitional we are encouraging students to participate in class without a parent. Our goal is for the student to develop a trusting relationship with their instructor.
In SwimStars Prep and Level 1 we are gaining comfort with buoyancy and balance by teaching our students to float on their back independently. This assists with students being able to relax in a back float position.
In Level 2 we are working on buoyancy, balance and movement through independent gliding and kicking on the front. Moving through the water using only kicking promotes stability, improved body position and propulsion.
In Level 3 we are perfecting the Elementary Backstroke (A.K.A. Chicken, airplane, soldier) skill learned in level 2. This involves the students moving their arms and legs simultaneously and independently. This safety stroke is an excellent way for swimmers to travel longer distances without expending a lot of energy.
In Level 4 we are introducing the concept of circle swimming to promote continuous movement. In addition, circle swimming throughout each lesson creates a safer and friendlier environment where the students are less likely to bump into each other during their swim.
In Swim Team Prep we will be focusing on Freestyle.
Here at Little Flippers we have an unlimited absence and makeup policy! Absences can be reported in the Parent Portal and if they are reported before class time, your account will be credited with an absence which you can use for a makeup in another class that is not fully enrolled, a class that has an absence already reported for the day or a class that is a designated makeup class. Makeup classes can only be scheduled one week in advance. See the office or our website for additional policies.
If you are running late, please wait at the door in the center of the of the lobby and the Deck Supervisor will greet you and escort your students to class. Also, at the end of class, please remember to wait at or near exit doors for your swimmers. As a safety precaution, we cannot allow students to wander independently into the locker room, if we do not see a parent/guardian with them. Just give us a friendly wave to confirm if you are not right up front.
On deck showers are available and can be used for a quick rinse after class (no soap, shampoo, etc. please). However if you are showering in the locker room, please be mindful of others in the facility and limit your time spent in the shower and please no reserving showers. Thanks for your cooperation!
ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR WINCHESTER ONLY: We ask that all customers please park in the YELLOW lined spots only. They do extend all the way around the building onto the other side of the pool. The white lined spots are for our neighbors across the street.
Once again, my name is ______________ and I am available for questions or feedback so please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks and have a great day!