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Sunday 27 October 2013

A little introduction .... post 1


Since 1983 I have been privileged to teach/assess/develop a diversity of ability/disability/inability in water from infants, toddlers, children, adolescence, adults, disabled, special needs, teacher-training at university level, skills training drills at provincial and national level water sports

The diversity of skills includes learning to swim, swimming stroke techniques, drown-proofing techniques, surf life saving, varied surfing disciplines, open water kayaking, snorkelling, under water hockey, tri-swimming and rehabilitation after surgery/sport injury

I found that there was a common characteristic which appears in most where swimming is involved, ‘self doubt’

Wonderfully, as each individual  learned, progressed, achieved the short term goals set for themselves with their target goal in constant view, developed an understanding of water and their own ability, common qualities emerged ... the development of life skills.  These qualities influence lives within and outside of the swimming environment. We know that swimming, stimulation in water influences life skills more than any land based activities, regardless of age

What do we understand 'life skills' to be .... that which tends towards growth, development, progress, ability, talent, cleverness, dexterity, expertise, proficiency, being competent, flair, aptitude

If you are wondering why all this 'stuff' about thinking and conscious thought and present time and life skills, know that you are being made consciously aware of the qualities that are never 'voiced', those that are an intrinsic part of the abilities that we have, that we do not use, those that we need to be aware of to learn and understand anything and everything that we do and want to learn. The teacher too must have these qualities. Teaching and learning then becomes simple and fun

Only I can think for myself. Only you can think for yourself. There is no other or easier way

Our main focus here at this time is to have no illusions about how valuable 'grassroots' of all teaching and learning is. That ‘basic’ is where we return to when 'in doubt'. An advanced athlete is advised to find a teacher/coach/trainer who knows and works with this value

 

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