Fun Swimming Drills As A Reward: Turn It Into A Game Instead

Fun Swimming Drills As Games Win

I think that the debate around whether or not one should include games in their lesson plan has well and truly been resolved. But even though I don't think I have come across a single swim teacher recently that doesn't in some way play a game or two in their lesson, I wonder if any have considered doing fun swimming drills.

Wait... Get Your Lesson Plans Here

I have blog posts giving my opinion on whether games should be included in your lesson and given I also have a number of posts outlining games to be played I think that is should be obvious that I am a strong proponent of having games in class. However, I don't think I have ever outlined in what part of the lesson they should be used.

I think that most teachers that do play swimming games, play them at the end of the lesson. The reasons for this are I think, obvious: reward for good behavior during class; give students something to look forward to at the end of their class; helps with motivation but most of all, the kids, in particular, enjoy it.

Yet there are two other points in the class to play games; ones that few actually take advantage of:

Fun & Games As A Swimming Drill 

1. Random placement:

   Instead of doing games just at the end of class why not play them in various points of the lesson randomly as a reward for not just good behavior but for doing well or even just making progress in skill development.

   I promise you that, from a child's point of view, this outstrips any certificate or badge or sticker or any other paperwork that you can give a child, short that is of giving food or sweets, which no one in their right mind would encourage these days; unless you're the parent may be.

   
   

2. A game instead of a drill:

   With a little imagination, most drills can be turned into a game and your student's motivation to do the drill will exponentially increase.

   Be careful though that it does obey the rules of a game: someone must win and the rules for winning should be clear so that there can be as far as possible be an obvious winner, and there must be a competitive element to it. You cannot just rename a drill and call it a game as the kids will notice and your attempt will be treated with contempt.

Try it you will reap the benefits.

Enjoy     
Richard