This week marks the start of Anna's second round of swim lessons. You will recall that we tried this last year before Abe arrived at the Chicago park district. It was fun, but I wouldn't say that she learned much. This year I'm hopeful that she will actually gain some ease in the water. I'm not going to get greedy and hope that she learns how to swim, but she is soooo tense in the water that I'd really like for her to just relax some and start to enjoy the pool.
The first lesson was fun to watch. There are two teachers and four kids so I like the more individualized attention. It's kids-only so she doesn't have me to cling to, but I have to say within two minutes Anna had already charmed one of the teachers into being her buddy and the teacher held her hand the entire time. The first game was ring toss. Teacher throws rings, kids run to pick up rings.... except Anna. Oh no, Anna walked slowly around the pool, holding the teacher's hand, then accidentally stumbled upon a ring. It seemed like the teacher had to remind her to pick up the ring. Focus isn't exactly our strong suit.
All the other boys picked up ten rings or so... I think Anna managed to score two of them.... very slowly.
They tried to have all the kids float on their backs. Anna tensed up and clung so tightly to the teacher to the point that the teacher actually picked her up like a baby doll and just held her for a minute. I had to laugh. No tears were shed, however, so I'm counting that as a success.
Meanwhile, Abe is racing around the pool deck, attempting to climb into the lounge chairs, open the gate doors and pick up strangers' shoes. It was comical to see the extremes - one child is scared to death, the other has no fear.
Look, she even requested to sit on the teacher's lap during this little game (above). Oh Anna, you little cuddle bug. Good thing you're so cute! This tactic won't work forever. Enjoy it while you can!
This session is rather intense - every day for two weeks. Keep your fingers crossed that Anna gets the most out of this experience. Should be a lot of fun!
2 comments:
1) that pool looks AWESOME!
2) every day for two weeks is going to be fantastic for her! I really think that with this water stuff, it's really helped a lot by the frequency of it. I bet she totally relaxes by the end.
We'll see!
3) if it doesn't work out, I'll send Lynnanne up. She'll have Anna going off the diving board.
I agree! What a great pool. Go Anna!
Post a Comment