COMPASSION IN SWIMMING LESSONS

At La Petite Baleen, our teachers stay focused on our curriculum mantra: Pace, Pattern, Compassion, and Fun.

LPB curriculum continues to keep up with new information on children, learning, and the brain. We know that when the brain feels safe it seeks novelty, innovation, and creativity.

So, what makes children feel safe, thus creating compassion and growth? Consistency makes children feel safe and allows them to learn at a better pace. Children grow to trust and develop a relationship with their teachers, and because of this, our company culture is built to promote teacher consistency.

As teachers, we are also watching children’s facial expressions and body language, and adjusting our lessons accordingly. Sometimes, finding a balance between challenging a student and showing compassion is the most effective way to help with progression.

We also provide our teachers with extensive resources and ongoing training in an effort to help them hone skills and plan for a wonderful and compassionate lesson. Our teachers are offered monthly workshops focusing on various aspects of our curriculum. The workshops can also be opportunities for students to get more swim time when participants are needed. Stay tuned to our social media channels and newsletters to know when we’re in need of volunteers.

Finally, we know now more than ever that taking good care of our own health is very important as well. By taking care of ourselves, we can take care of others and we can be our best, compassionate selves when we stay healthy.

Connecting with others in a positive way is another important part of any health plan. Learning to communicate in a positive and constructive way can do wonders for expressing compassion for ourselves and for others.

Our hearts and minds respond to all of this. That small thrill you get when your child “gets it” is endorphins surging, and they increase both your and your child’s well-being. It’s the feeling we strive to create in our lessons every day.