Swimming Level 3
Friday, June 25, 2010 by Amy
Riley passed level 3 swimming lessons! She is so darn proud of herself, and so am I! She really rose to the occasion in this class, because it was not easy! There's a big jump in skill requirements between Level 2 and Level 3. I mean, they were starting to teach the butterfly for heaven's sake! The girl was barely above the water the whole time. While waiting her turn with the teacher, she was diving to the bottom, practicing floats, etc. She loves the water. I think that Riley has found her "thing." Oh, and the grin from ear to ear when she comes out of the water exclaiming "I LOVE swimming!!" Finally.
That said, I don't think that Riley is ready for Level 4. The exit requirements for Level 4, I believe, are beyond the ability of a child her age, size, and strength. I would have a hard time meeting the requirements. Level 3 is Stroke Development, and Level 4 is Stroke Refinement. She can continue to refine her strokes in Level 3 again. Even in Level 3, she was by far the smallest child in the class. The next smallest was a good 6 inches taller than her, and most of the kids were 9-13 years old. I was talking to Mom about this yesterday...
...which is funny because today her instructor said the exact same thing. She said that although Riley has passed Level 3, she is likely too young for Level 4. She said that they sometimes offer Level 3/4 classes since it's fairly common for kids to get stuck between levels, but she's not sure if they will be offered this summer. We could fit in one more swim session this summer after our Maryland trip, but I know that Riley will be so very disappointed to be in Level 3 again. I don't know. She just loves swimming SO much! I think Level 4 would be pushing her too much and may dampen her enthusiasm. There's only 6 levels in all, what's the rush? OR I could just make sure I take her swimming as much as possible this summer ($$) and in indoor pools over the Fall and Winter (double $$) and work on building her strength and endurance so that she can go into Level 4 next summer. We'll see.
Oops, just uploaded pictures to iPhoto and realized that I forgot to blog about our zoo trip on Father's Day. Coming up next...
...and for some reason taking pictures in an indoor pool is impossible. It's almost like the camera picks up the chemical fumes that we can't see. In addition, I thought I took video of her swimming test, but apparently I only took a picture. I'm such a dork. So, you'll have to believe me, or wait until we're in MD and see for yourself!
That said, I don't think that Riley is ready for Level 4. The exit requirements for Level 4, I believe, are beyond the ability of a child her age, size, and strength. I would have a hard time meeting the requirements. Level 3 is Stroke Development, and Level 4 is Stroke Refinement. She can continue to refine her strokes in Level 3 again. Even in Level 3, she was by far the smallest child in the class. The next smallest was a good 6 inches taller than her, and most of the kids were 9-13 years old. I was talking to Mom about this yesterday...
...which is funny because today her instructor said the exact same thing. She said that although Riley has passed Level 3, she is likely too young for Level 4. She said that they sometimes offer Level 3/4 classes since it's fairly common for kids to get stuck between levels, but she's not sure if they will be offered this summer. We could fit in one more swim session this summer after our Maryland trip, but I know that Riley will be so very disappointed to be in Level 3 again. I don't know. She just loves swimming SO much! I think Level 4 would be pushing her too much and may dampen her enthusiasm. There's only 6 levels in all, what's the rush? OR I could just make sure I take her swimming as much as possible this summer ($$) and in indoor pools over the Fall and Winter (double $$) and work on building her strength and endurance so that she can go into Level 4 next summer. We'll see.
Oops, just uploaded pictures to iPhoto and realized that I forgot to blog about our zoo trip on Father's Day. Coming up next...
...and for some reason taking pictures in an indoor pool is impossible. It's almost like the camera picks up the chemical fumes that we can't see. In addition, I thought I took video of her swimming test, but apparently I only took a picture. I'm such a dork. So, you'll have to believe me, or wait until we're in MD and see for yourself!
