Swimming Lessons
Part 1: Listen and Read: Listen to the recording, answer the questions, and then read along with the audio recording.
My kids are taking swimming lessons now at a local swimming pool. The lessons first teach kids how to not be afraid of the water by learning how to put their face under the water and holding their breath for a few seconds. Next, the lessons teach children how to float on their backs. Later on, kids learn how to do some of the basic strokes including freestyle, breast stroke, and backstroke. Learning how to do these takes time, practice, and patience. Kids also need to learn how to tread water, and in some water safety classes, instructors teach people how to tie up the legs of their pants to make a flotation device. Kids can also learn how to dive of the side of the pool or from the diving board. If kids pass off the requirements for their class, they receive a certificate of completion.
Part 2: Discussion
Why is swimming an important life skill and at what age can children start learning how to swim? What are the potential dangers associated with swimming? Talk about your own experiences in learning how to swim.
Part 3: Online Investigation
Imagine that you work for your local government, and you are in charge of preparing an initial plan a new swimming pool. Use the Internet to help you come up with key information about designing and maintaining a community swimming pool. Information can include swimming pool design, swimming safety, and pool maintenance.