Elements and Focus

Within each award there are 10 elements which contain the skills that are taught, the elements are:

Submersion □ Hold □ Turn □ Kick □ Paddle
Swim □ Breathing □ Back □ Recognition □ Jumping

BRONZE FISH AWARD FOCUS POINTS
 

Adult
The parent/adult in the water with the child is as important. They may be nervous and will therefore need support and reassurance.

Submersion
The child needs to be comfortable with getting wet and going under water. Submersions are built up steadily at this stage due to the mamillian dive reflex that babies are born with.

Recognition 
Word association is key to the programme; therefore commands need to be used regularly at this level and in Silver Fish. Babies should be recognising some of the commands by the end of Bronze Fish.

SILVER FISH AWARD FOCUS POINTS

Action
Babies should be moving more in the water and will begin to action the commands when asked.

Interaction
Social skills can begin to be developed by interacting with other children, parents and the teacher.

Confidence 
This should be increasing with both the adult and child. Activities need to comfortable without being forced.

GOLD FISH AWARD FOCUS POINTS

Movement
Children need to be kept moving in the water, this is the stage where they can start to play up and be independent and want to move away from the adult.

Fun 
At this stage the children start to ‘fight’ the lessons a little therefore keeping it fun will keep their interest.

Repetition
Children learn by repeating things, repetition homes in on particular aims and skills.

STAR FISH AWARD FOCUS POINTS

Independence
Encourage children to work without being held with or without aids.

Teacher Instruction 
Children need to listen to the teacher and action what is being asked of them, this will prepare them for having lessons without a parent/adult in the water.

Swimming
Our ultimate goal is to get the children moving, using arms and legs to propel themsleves through the water.