ABC Method: 3 steps for achieving a successful aquatic education lesson
Our instructors, though their professional training and empathy towards children, stimulate their curiosity and creativity, through a personalized plan, permanently adapted to the evolutionary rhythm of each child. Each session plan consists of a clear three-part structure, with simple activities, created by a team of psychologists. The main element used is play-time, for a gentle stimulus, and efficient communication with the little one.
Through play, the child learns movement, imitating what is around him, and also through play we create a relaxing, safe, and confidence-inspiring atmosphere that is needed in starting the learning process.
For the little ones, we want to develop skills, and for the parents, we want to offer the necessary support so that they can relax and enjoy the child’s new learned abilities with him.
As a part of the ABC method, developed by a team of medics, psychologists, and swim instructors, with each session designed in three parts, the content of which is different with each child’s age and disposition.
1. Step by step accommodation
Acclimatization and accommodation are very important for every child to feel at ease in the water, with the instructor. Therefore, it’s recommended that, regardless of age, we first accommodate the child in a small area at the edge of the pool, letting them get used to the ambiance and prepares their body for the effort. After this step, which many people neglect, unfortunately, the child is ready for the structured activities of the day.
2. Exercises based on age and development
One aquatic education class can cover different activities based on the child’s development and disposition, and of course, the objectives set out by the instructor. For babies, moving in water is done exclusively with the help of the instructor, holding them in such a way that does not block their movements.
At Acvatic Bebe Club we use quality materials, internationally approved, which are a real help in acquiring skills:
- The mat: used for positioning, creating an intimate space to play, switching positions, learning balance, stimulating movement on land
- Pool noodle: for lower and upper limb stimulation in a vertical position in the water, which prepares the child for the vertical position on land and voluntary walking
- Toys of different sizes, colors, and functions: for initiating play-time and attention-grabbing, stimulates the grasping reflex
Between the ages of 4 months and 1 year, the apnea reflex is stimulated at the time of immersion by learning a breath specific to the aquatic environment. In other words, the child learns to hold their breath underwater.
After this period, they will continue to enrich their motor and informational baggage, by approaching more complex, diverse exercises, that aim to stimulate the coordination movements specific to the aquatic activity. These exercises are followed by swimming short distances, both on the surface and underwater, using floating objects. (pool noodles, mats, etc)
After the age of 2.5, the first notions of preparation for the initiation into swimming appear. The children position themselves horizontally on the water and learn to coordinate the movements of their feet with the breathing specific to the aquatic environment, respectively the coordination of their hands and feet when diving.
3. Recovery after the effort
Every swimming lesson ends with a little recovery period. This has the role of adjusting the functional parameters (respiratory rate and heart rate) to their normal values. This is also done through exercises – passive or active – avoiding fatigue at the end of the session.
Newborns are under a deadline, they have to gain mobility before gaining too much weight.
Aquatic education gives them the opportunity to do so. It is also the only physical activity they can do in the first months of life, under the expertise of the instructors and using the specific materials.
Safety first
Acvatic Bebe Club was founded in 2012, dedicated to children aged 4 months to 4 years. The club has a gradual acclimatization area and a waiting room from where parents/grandparents can follow the children’s lessons.
It is the only club in Bucharest that uses a mix of Ozone and UV for disinfecting the pool, instead of the usual chlorine. Through the ventilation and dehumidification system, an ideal microclimate is permanently maintained for the unfolding of aquatic education programs.
The aquatic education club has a dedicated medical staff, employed full time, who can provide assistance if necessary or counseling, at the request of the parents. ABC instructors also participate in first aid and refresher courses annually, so that the services offered are at the highest quality standards.